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Sport Nation
'Scary in a Good Way': Aussie Donnell Wallam's leap of faith across the ditch
Kieran Bingham • June 26th, 2025 10:45 am
Donnell Wallam | Photo: Photosport
Donnell Wallam wasn’t short on motivation when she made the move across the ditch.
Overlooked by Australian Super Netball teams back home, the powerful and dynamic shooter jumped at the chance to suit up for the Northern Mystics in the ANZ Premiership.
“Scary in a good way” is how she described it to Sport Nation’s Centre Pass: In Focus, but she hasn’t looked back.
Wallam is loving life in navy blue. While she’s been managing a wrist injury since the early rounds, her influence on the Mystics is undeniable both on and off the court.
She’s spoken glowingly about the culture at the club and her connection with captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, who she calls both “motherly” and “a big sister.”
And she’s quickly learned one of the golden rules at the Mystics: if Peta Toeava is looking in one direction, be ready, the ball’s probably coming the other way.
With Grace Nweke heading to the New South Wales Swifts, the Mystics turned to Donnell Wallam to help fill the gap in their shooting end.
But Wallam hasn’t been the only Aussie to take the leap.
Charlie Bell and Remi Kamo signed with the Stars, Charli Fidler joined the Tactix, Dakota Thomas went to the Steel, and former Diamonds captain Gabi Simpson came out of retirement to join the Pulse. Together, they’ve added depth, experience, and a new layer of trans-Tasman flavour to the ANZ Premiership.
Gabi Simpson will remain with the Pulse for the rest of the season | Photo: Photosport
Still, it’s Wallam’s story that continues to stand out. A dominant force at domestic level in Australia and England, she’s taken her game and belief to new heights in New Zealand.
The move may have been born out of necessity, but it’s turning into something much more.
And on Monday night in Auckland, that story takes on a personal twist.
Wallam will line up against her flatmates Bell and Kamo in a showdown between the Mystics and the Stars - injury permitting.
Remi Kamo celebrates the Stars' victory with flatmate Charlie Bell (L) in Round 2 | Photo: Photosport
Off the court, the trio have formed a tight bond over shared dinners and a mild obsession with escape rooms, proudly boasting three escapes from four attempts.
But once the whistle blows, the friendship is put on pause.
Mystics against Stars. Teammates at the dinner table, rivals under the post.
And no matter which way the result swings, one thing is certain - the Aussies have well and truly arrived.
Tune into Centre Pass: In Focus every Tuesday from 2-3pm on Sport Nation.
