Donnell Wallam has found a home for 2025, signing on for Aotearoa top comp ANZ Premiership side Northern Mystics.
Wallam is a confirmed signing for the Auckland-based two-time reigning champions a month on from her time with the Queensland Firebirds ending after three seasons, and without finding a new home this side of the Tasman for next year's Super Netball season.
The Firebirds said their decision "simply a recruitment decision based on game style and strategy into the future" after the shooter's 600-plus goal campaign through a tumultuous year for the club ending with four wins.
"I can't wait to expand my game and learnings in an elite New Zealand environment," Wallam said on Monday.
"In every discussion I had with potential clubs, the respect for and inclusion of culture was a major focus of each program and I know this will be an enriching experience for me both on and off the court."
Wallam joins returning Mystic Holly Fowler as inclusions for 2025, and is set to join Filda Vui and Hannah Glen in-goal.
"Donnell has incredible firepower," Mystics Coach Tia Winikerei said via the club.
"We are looking forward to blending her abilities with Filda and Hannah in-circle and can't wait to see how the dynamic skill sets of our feeders combine with Donnell's space creation and her ability to shoot accurately with variety and range".
View this post on Instagram
Despite the move across the Tasman, Wallam remains an Australian Diamonds squad member for 2024-25, and in contention for upcoming international fixtures starting on September 19.
On her time with the Firebirds ending last month, Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich said "I don't believe she has reached her ceiling and she's continued to show incredible variation and growth in her game this year" that the national side setup had "made a commitment to Donnell… to provide the support and resources to ensure she reaches her potential and maximises selection opportunities".
"We can't wait to see what excitement and flair Donnell can bring the Origin Australian Diamonds 2024-25 squad," she said.
Wallam has made six appearances for the Diamonds since her fairytale debut - where she scored a game-winning shot against England with seconds remaining in 2022.
The Diamonds host England for three matches from September 19 before a four-game Constellation Cup series with New Zealand in October.
Wallam and the Mystics start their premiership defence from May next year.
