The duo, who both made their Diamonds’ debuts last year after stellar rookie campaigns in the SSN, will travel to South Africa with Australia’s squad as cover as Stacey Marinkovich’s team aim to secure a 12th World Cup title.
Wallam’s selection comes after a dominant 2023 season where the 29-year-old Noongar woman finished as the second-highest scorer in the league with 669 points, 94 behind West Coast Fever superstar Jhaniele Fowler on the scoring charts.
Her 71-point haul in the Round 12 win over Melbourne broke Fowler’s 2020 mark for the most points by an individual in a single Suncorp Super Netball match.
Bakewell-Doran has also been a standout for the Firebirds this year, building a strong defensive pairing with first-year player Remi Kamo.
The 24-year-old ended the season with 30 intercepts, 52 deflections and 19 rebounds in a standout campaign.
“Both Ruby and Donnell have proven themselves worthy of a spot in Australia’s World Cup squad and we’re thrilled they’ll be heading to South Africa as reserve players,” Firebirds Head Coach Bec Bulley said.
“After both had such stellar first full seasons in Suncorp Super Netball last year, Donnell and Ruby have gone on to build on those performances in 2023.
“Donnell’s competitiveness and big-game temperament are second-to-none while Ruby’s on-court leadership, quick thinking and agility has reinforced her status as one of the best defenders in the competition.
“I know if the chance to play is presented to either of them they won’t let Stacey and the Diamonds down as they try to reclaim the World Cup for Australia.”
The 2023 World Cup will be held from Friday, 28 July to Sunday, 6 August at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town, South Africa.
Australia will compete in Group A of the 16-nation tournament against Tonga, featuring fellow Firebird Hulita Veve, Zimbabwe and Fiji.
