In front of a sold-out crowd of 4588 fans at Nissan Arena, Noongar woman Wallam scored 65 goals from 70 attempts including six Suncorp Super Shots as the Firebirds claimed back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
Playing alongside Wakka Wakka woman Leesa Mi Mi on Turrbal and Yuggera country, Wallam’s display lifted the Firebirds against last year’s grand finalists as the home team overcame a two-point deficit after the first quarter to storm to their fourth win of the season.
Wallam kept the Firebirds close in the opening term with a brace of two-pointers but it was two more Suncorp Super Shots in a big finish to the second term which ensured Bec Bulley’s team held a three-point lead at the main break.
That lead expanded to six during the third quarter before the Vixens rallied, forcing Head Coach Bulley to call a timeout with the margin just two points and the visitors on centre pass.
The timeout sparked the Firebirds however with Ruby Bakewell-Doran poaching an intercept on the restart as the hosts settled.
From there the Firebirds held the Vixens at arm’s length, Wallam fittingly sealing the win with a Suncorp Super Shot right on the final siren to spark scenes of celebration.
Mi Mi, in just her third SSN match and facing off against Diamonds captain Liz Watson, notched goal assists and 31 feeds in an energetic mid-court display.
Defensive duo Bakewell-Doran and Remi Kamo were also hugely impressive, combining for 10 gains, 16 deflections and four rebounds.
The Firebirds will aim to build on the win when they host the table-topping NSW Swifts in the final home game of the 2023 SSN season in a State-v-State clash next Sunday.
