Wallam scored the decisive goal with just eight seconds on the clock as the Firebirds beat Suncorp Super Netball newcomers Melbourne Mavericks 43-42 at Ken Rosewall Arena on Friday.
Wallam’s match-winner was the last of her game-high 35 goals as the Australian Diamond dominated the goal circle throughout.
Tippah Dwan, back in Purple after two seasons in Adelaide, scored eight goals from 10 attempts as she played 14 minutes, sharing the GA bib with Emily Moore.
Young guns Sasha-May Flegler and Isabelle Shearer also made their mark, coming off the bench to make telling impacts with Shearer picking up three gains and two rebounds in defence.
The Firebirds came out of the blocks humming with Dwan combining well alongside Wallam in the goal square, forcing Mavericks coach Tracey Neville to call a timeout with the score 7-2.
An Eleanor Cardwell Suncorp Super Shot late in the term got to Mavericks within two goals but the Firebirds held out their opponents to be ahead by one at the first change.
Dwan and Lara Dunkley made way in the second quarter as Bec Bulley shuffled her pack, Flegler coming on at centre with Macy Gardner moving to wing attack while Moore came on in goal attack.
Moore didn’t trouble the scorers but did make a couple of eye-catching interceptions in the centre third as the Firebirds extended their lead to 22-18 at the main break.
The Mavericks started the third quarter with Cardwell on the bench but the English international came back on, giving young Firebird Isabelle Shearer a challenge after she came on for Remi Kamo in defence.
It was a different goaler who pulled the game level though, with Gabi Sinclair’s two Suncorp Super Shots ensuring the scores were locked 33-all at the final turn.
The Firebirds opened up a lead again in the last quarter but when Cardwell sunk another two-pointer the scores were level at 42-all with less than 30 seconds to play, just enough time for Wallam to sink her vital goal.
The Firebirds continue their Suncorp Team Girls Cup campaign on Saturday with two matches, facing the NSW Swifts (12,50pm AEDT) and West Coast Fever (6.50pm AEDT).
Every game of the Suncorp Team Girls Cup will be available to watch on Kayo Sports and Foxtel. Matches are also available to stream for free via Kayo Freebies, with no credit card details required to register.
