Wallam Watch: Former Australian captain Caitlin Bassett chimes in on Harvey-raised star’s New Zealand move

Former Australian captain Caitlin Bassett believes Donnell Wallam’s departure from Super Netball represents a tipping point for the priorities of the national competition. A free agent after her shock departure from Queensland Firebirds in July, Wallam signed on with New Zealand side Northern Mystics last week. None of the eight Australian clubs opted to bring the Diamonds shooter on-board despite her strong form across three seasons in Super Netball, including finishing last season as the competition’s second leading goal-scorer. Bassett is uniquely positioned to comment on Wallam’s move having made the same one herself in her playing days, departing Giants Netball for greater playing opportunities with ANZ Premiership side Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in 2020. Writing in her column for The Nightly, Bassett said international stars were flocking to Australia due to the league’s professionalism and status as the world’s best. “The opportunities for Aussie talent — in the goal shooting position in particular — are becoming almost impossible to come by,” she wrote. “When the news broke that Wallam was leaving the Firebirds I knew the odds of her getting another contract in Australia were extremely slim. “Donnell will remain in the Diamonds squad and still be available for selection, however, it will be hard for her to secure a contract back in Australia if she isn’t able to showcase her talents.” Bassett said the league would have to choose between being the best in the world or providing an opportunity for Australian talent to thrive. “As a former Australian player it’s no surprise that I want to see more Australian players getting an opportunity to play in our domestic league — it’s how I developed as a young player myself,” she wrote. “Playing week in, week out, gave me the chance to learn and develop into a player who eventually got to lead the national team and play 102 tests. “Selfishly I want nothing more than to see the Diamonds dominate for decades to come and that means more Aussie girls being given their shot in the Super Netball in the coveted goal shooter position.”