Enduring some of the toughest weeks of her life, Diamonds debutante Donnell Wallam has answered critics in dazzling fashion by scoring the match-winning goal against England.
Wallam showed her skills and athleticism in a chaotic circle to nail a lay-up goal with just seven seconds remaining in the Newcastle match to secure a 55-54 victory in game one of the three-test netball series.
The Noongar woman is the third Indigenous player to don the green and gold and the first in 22 years. Her performance saw her embraced by teammates after the win.
Donnell Wallam of the Diamonds tries to block Funmi Fadoju of the Roses during the netball match between the Australian Diamonds and the England Roses at Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, Wednesday, October 26, 2022. Source: AAP / DARREN PATEMAN/AAPIMAGE
"I just hope that I'm now a role model to the young girls and boys coming through," she told Kayo Sports.
Wallam was presented her outfit on Wednesday night by Marcia Ella-Duncan, who was the first Indigenous woman to play for Australia back in 1986.
"It was really special and it's been a long time coming so I hope I made everyone proud out there," Wallam said.
All eyes were on Wallam when called upon by Australian coach Stacey Marinkovich midway through the final quarter.
The 28-year-old has been the target of relentless scrutiny after her principled stance the withdrawal of a $15 million sponsorship deal from mining magnate Gina Rinehart.
She said "outside noise" over the last few weeks had taken a toll.
"I was relieved to finally get my chance on court - it's been some of the toughest few weeks of my life," Wallam said.
"To finally get out there and just play in this dress was just really special and it makes the last couple of weeks feel like a blur."
Former Diamonds skipper Sharni Norder, who was also a critic of the sponsorship deal, lauded Wallam's resilience.
"I don't know anyone who would have the strength of character to go through something so tumultuous and have the courage to step up and represent her country on the world stage and smash it. Donnell Wallam is my hero," Norder tweeted.
Wallam's delight at her selection for the series was dampened after she raised concerns about vile historical comments made by Rinehart's late father Lang Hancock about the Indigenous population.
She was said to be uncomfortable wearing a uniform with the Hancock Prospecting logo.
Teammates took a stand with Wallam which resulted in the mining magnate's firm cancelling the cash-strapped sports body's financial lifeline.
Their other sponsors such as Origin Energy have since pledged their commitment.
Donnell Wallam of the Australia Diamonds and Maddy Proud of the Australia Diamonds hug after the Netball International match between Australia and England on October 26, 2022 at Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, Australia. Credit: Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
"Every single one of the team members, the staff, have been amazing.
"Coming into the bubble we tried to not let the outside noise impact us and they really wrapped their arms around me.
"Thanks for everyone for their support, the kind messages I've been getting, it hasn't gone unnoticed and has really helped me in these last few weeks."
