‘Renewed interest‘: Indigenous netball star’s courage attracts interest from brands

Wallam was unwillingly thrust into the spotlight late last year when she raised concerns about wearing a Diamonds uniform bearing Hancock Prospecting‘s logo.

A proud Noongar woman, Wallam took issue with insulting comments made by the company’s founder Lang Hancock about Indigenous Australians in 1984.

The saga stole headlines from Wallam’s Diamonds debut as just the third Indigenous netballer to represent Australia. The 29-year-old’s teammates supported her, while Hancock Prospecting later pulled their $15 million sponsorship of the team.

Wallam’s manager Lauren Gandini of Stella said there had been a renewed interest in the Queensland Firebirds goal shooter in the wake of her inspiring stance.

“There already was (an interest) even before that happened. But her courage in using her voice for what she believes in I think has made her really appealing to a lot of brands that really want to get behind that kind of courage,” Gandini said.

“There’s definitely been a renewed interest and I think there always will be in Donnell and that’s not just sponsorship.

“I think people want to hear from her and her experiences. She’s an incredible person and we’re very lucky to work with her.”

Wallam is currently sponsored by Nike and wears the brand’s basketball shoes during her netball games in a nod to her basketball background.

Gandini said new sponsorship deals can take months to finalise.

Wallam capped off a challenging week with a memorable matchwinning goal in Australia’s 55-54 Test win over England last October, putting the Diamonds ahead in the dying seconds on debut.

“Wallam has carried an enormous, and unfair, burden,” CODE Sports columnist Nat Medhurst wrote at the time.

Wallam made her Super Netball debut last year as a replacement player for Queensland, scoring 519 goals.

It saw the Perth product selected in the Diamonds’ Commonwealth Games squad and named Netball Australia’s Rookie of the Year.