QUEENSLAND Firebirds powerhouse goal shooter Donnell Wallam is having a year-long pinch-me moment.
The humble 28-year-old Noongar woman is heading home to Western Australia, to play a professional netball game in front of family and friends for the first time in her short yet dazzling career.
Wallam, who grew up in the town of Harvey, 140kms south of Perth, waited until 2019 to convert from basketball to play in the local state league netball competition for the West Coast Warriors.
As she lines up against West Coast Fever at RAC Arena on Saturday night, in what is a must-win Suncorp Super Netball clash for her Firebirds, Wallam stars on the league’s stats sheet for number of goals, goal attempts and offensive rebounds.
“All the time I pinch myself,” Wallam said.
“I wake up and can’t believe I’m living my dream. I’m doing what I love. Being able to go back home and play in front of my family makes all the sacrifices worth it.”
The newly named Australian Diamonds squad member, brought into the Firebirds squad as a late replacement for pregnant shooter Romelda Aiken-George, is the first Indigenous player to make the Diamonds in more than 20 years.
It seems only fitting that she has the opportunity to play professionally in front of her most loyal supporters for the first time this weekend during what is Super Netball’s First Nations Round.
“It’s really special that I get to travel back to my country with the Firebirds,” Wallam said.
“It’s a really special feeling, that emotional and spiritual connection to my country and I hope that shines into this group of girls.”
Played across rounds 12 and 13, the 2022 First Nations Round focuses on raising awareness, celebrating and understanding the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to netball and the nation.
All eight clubs will wear First Nations Round uniforms, each with a unique design and story signifying the rich culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the country.
“To be able to represent young kids who are in similar situations as I was growing up, just to inspire them means so much, as does showcasing our people on the big stage like this,” Wallam said.
“Being part of the Firebirds’ cultural journey is a pretty special feeling, and to also represent my family and culture in the best competition in the world is just incredible. I’m grateful for the opportunity, it makes me emotional.”
The sixth-placed Firebirds take to the court at RAC Arena for the first time since round 13, 2019 and must beat the second-placed Fever on Saturday night to keep their finals hopes alive
