Sharni Norder lashes Netball Australia and Matt Russell apologises to Donnell Wallam in Diamonds row
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The fallout from Netball Australia’s sponsorship saga rages on, with a TV commentator pressured to apologize for mentioning Donnell Wallam’s role in the controversy, while the heads of the sport have been criticized by a former captain because they didn’t do more to protect the native rookie.
Wallam sparked the controversy when she asked to be exempt from wearing the sponsorship logo of mining company Hancock Prospecting ahead of the series of three games against England.
The Aboriginal rookie did this in protest at comments made 40 years earlier by the company’s late founder, Lang Hancock, advocating for the sterilization of Indigenous communities through the water supply.
Donnell Wallam tries to block Funmi Fadoju of the English Roses during the game in Newcastle
Wallam was backed by her teammates, so company director Gina Rinehart – Mr. Hancock’s daughter – withdrew the $15 million sponsorship, leading many to question the players’ stance as it identified a huge funding gap. of Netball Australia left behind.
In a remarkable twist, Wallam came off the bench in the opening game of the series and scored the winning goal, sparking some wild celebrations.
Matt Russell, who mentioned the game for Fox Sports, understandably mentioned in his commentary the juxtaposition of how Wallams had changed from a critique of her role in the sponsorship saga to then become a game-winning hero.
“In the eyes of some, it has cost Australian netball millions. In the eyes of others, she just won a test for them,” Russell said in commentary after the win.
Wallam shoots the winning lay-up then celebrates the winning score against England
The comment sparked a wave of angry backlash, with one disgruntled fan posting: ‘DISGUSTED by’ [Matt Russell] to say that Donnell cost them millions doesn’t matter if he phrased it as some people would think – absolutely disgraceful.”
“It won’t overshadow that incredible moment in Australian netball history, but I’m ABSOLUTELY FUMING by those comments from Matt Russell. How dare you?!’ posted another.
Under pressure from the offended on social media, Russell was prompted to apologize for his comments.
Fox Sports commentator Matt Russell
“To call her moment, in the blink of an eye, I wanted to neutralize what ‘SOME SAY’ about her. And how she triumphed spectacularly on the debut despite everything,” Russell explains in a tweet.
“Sorry to those distracted from Donnell’s success and the Diamonds’ victory. It was humbling/encouraging to speak/send messages to Indigenous leaders/Donnell today.’
Meanwhile, former Diamonds captain Sharni Norder [nee Layton] who played 46 tests for her country before moving to AFLW, Netball Australia set fire to it for failing to protect Wallam during the social media firestorm.
Norder is an ambassador for the Sports Environment Alliance and has been an outspoken opponent of Netball Australia’s decision to accept sponsorship from mining billionaire Rinehart in the first place.
Donnell Wallam should never have been in the spotlight. She should have been protected all along and she wasn’t,” Norder said.
Wallam (right) celebrates victory over England with teammate Cara Koenen on Wednesday
Gina Rinehart pulled her company’s $15 million sponsorship deal with the team
“I think someone in Netball Australia should be held accountable for everything that has happened over the past few weeks because it wasn’t fair to all the players, but especially to Donnell.
“It should never have been as public as it was – there was a lot of misrepresentation and they bore a great deal of the burden of what was happening.
“I saw that game and went – that’s what we represent. That’s what we’re all about. We have each other’s backs.
Wallam celebrates scoring the winning run with teammates after the netball match between the Australian Diamonds and England Roses at Newcastle Entertainment Center
“It was the hardest thing we’ve ever been through, and they had to endure it.”
However, Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovic said Wallam had a lot of support from her teammates and the Netball Australia staff.
‘I don’t think she’s been as isolated as people think’ […] there have actually been players with her who worked through and supported her,” she said after the game.
Wallam herself described the weeks leading up to her debut as the toughest of her life, saying the “outside noise” had been the most challenging part.
Wallam aims to be a proud role model for Indigenous youth across Australia
“I was a little relieved to get my chance at the job,” she told Fox Sports.
“It’s been the hardest weeks of my life, so to finally go out and play in this dress has been very special. It’s been a bit of a blur for the last few weeks.
“It’s very special and I hope I’m a role model for the young girls and boys who come out of it.
“It took a long time, so I hope I can make everyone there proud.”