Netball Australia make call on Donnell Wallam’s Diamonds place after New Zealand league signing
Netball Australia has made a call on whether its players can remain eligible for Diamonds selection if playing overseas after Donnell Wallam signed to play for New Zealand’s Mystics.
Donnell Wallam will remain a valued member of the Diamonds squad into 2025 despite signing to play in New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership League next season.
Defending champions Mystics announced the signing of the goal shooter on Monday, little more than a week after losing Silver Ferns goaler Grace Nweke to Super Netball’s NSW Swifts.
Rumours of Wallam’s move to New Zealand had been strong even before Nweke’s move was confirmed and the whispers grew to a roar in the days before Wallam was announced.
The 193cm Wallam is almost a straight swap for Nweke, another holding shooter, although there will be one major difference between the pair next year.
While Nweke has had to give up eligibility for Silver Ferns selection next season due to Netball New Zealand’s strict eligibility criteria, Netball Australia sources confirmed Wallam would remain a valued member of the Diamonds squad while playing overseas.
Only the third First Nations player to represent the Diamonds, Wallam made her international debut at 28 after a late switch to netball from basketball and coach Stacey Marinkovich has vowed to keep a close eye on the goaler, even committing to visiting the Mystics next season to check in on her progress.
After playing in the Mystics’ championship side this season, Nweke will be involved in the Constellation Cup against Australia in October but becomes ineligible for the Ferns next year while playing in the Super Netball league.
Mystics coach Tia Winikerei welcomed Wallam.
“Donnell has incredible firepower” Winikerei said.
“We are looking forward to blending her abilities with (fellow shooters) Filda (Vui) and Hannah (Glen) in-circle and can’t wait to see how the dynamic skill sets of our feeders combine with Donnell’s space creation and her ability to shoot accurately with variety and range.”
Wallam said she was excited to link with the Mystics and the opportunities that were on offer in New Zealand on and off the court.
“I can’t wait to expand my game and learnings in an elite New Zealand environment,” she wrote in a post on Instagram.
“In every discussion I had with potential clubs, the respect for an inclusion of culture was a major focus of each program and I know this will be an enriching experience for me both on and off the court.
“See you soon @northernmystics.”
Wallam was cut by the Firebirds, who announced her departure last month before confirming the signing of towering Ugandan goaler Mary Cholhok.
With Nweke being picked up by the Swifts and veteran Romelda Aiken-George re-signing with the Thunderbirds after an MVP showing in the grand final, Wallam was left without an opportunity in Australia.
National captain Liz Watson said Wallam’s fellow Diamonds had rallied around her in camp last week.
“Absolutely. I have been lucky enough to train with Nelly back in Queensland in our hub sessions leading into this camp and then we will continue to do that once we get home from this camp,” Watson said before Wallam’s signing with the Mystics had been confirmed.
“Obviously she was very disappointed (to leave the Firebirds) but I know her goal is to get back to SSN (Super Netball) as soon as possible, whether that is next year, the year after or the year after that.
“I know she is committed to getting back in the SSN environment and then to this Diamonds environment which is awesome to see.”
Ahead of her Mystics signing, Watson said whatever club snared Wallam’s signing would benefit.
“I know they are going to be very lucky to have such an incredible athlete, but knowing for her that she will do everything she can in that environment to get back in SSN because she sees that’s the best league, the best place to get her netball development and also to play alongside her Aussie teammates,” Watson said.
“Fingers crossed she can work something out that is best for her and her development.”
More Coverage
Can Diamonds beat NZ hoodoo: Con Cup talking points
Australia heads to Wellington ahead of its Constellation Cup opener, with the Ferns smarting from a series loss to England. Here’s what the Diamonds would have learnt from those games.
Happy Ellis making mark in sparkling breakout season
Rudi Ellis stunned plenty when she was named as a training partner for the Diamonds squad earlier this year. Next week, she’ll head to New Zealand for the Constellation Cup as Australia’s newest Test player.