Diamonds manager Stacey Marinkovich shares plans for Donnell Wallam’s comeback game against England

Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich has announced that she plans to make room for rising netball star Donnell Wallam in Thursday night’s Dead Rubber against England.

Wallam was the hero when she made her international debut in the first game last week and scored the winning goal, but missed the second clash with a stomach problem.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Donnell Wallam’s insane match winner on his debut.

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Shortly after Netball Australia’s $15 million partnership with the Victorian Government, the Diamonds will take to the court for one final time in the series on Thursday night in Brisbane.

Marinkovich was shy about Wallam’s involvement that led to the opening game against England but understandably is less now after the 28-year-old was on the bench in the opener.

“She’s right to go now,” said the coach.

“I’m not sure who starts, but we definitely want to make sure there’s a chance for them.”

Wallam, a Noongar woman, was at the center of the Diamonds’ sponsorship storm after she expressed concerns about wearing uniforms bearing the Hancock Prospecting logo due to views of Gina Rinehart’s late father, Lang, on Indigenous issues.

Marinkovich said the Queensland Firebirds player received a lot of support from the entire netball community during a difficult time.

“We had professional support, but we also had support from the group,” she said.

“The Diamonds haven’t played here (Nissan Arena) for maybe four years. I know Donnell loves being in this environment.”

A lot of criticism was leveled at the Diamonds during the sponsorship controversy, but Marinkovich said the team’s focus is “on what we think is important.”

They lead the English series two-nil and have a chance to grab a clean win.

“People have their opinions, but for us it was about focusing on the inside,” Marinkovich said.

“So we don’t go on social media and go through it because we can’t control it. This group focuses on the things that we can control and that is our achievement.

“Yes, there was a lot of noise, but the commitment we have built for a World Cup (next year) is paramount.”

Marinkovich, speaking for the first time since the Visit Victoria deal was announced, said the state government’s sponsorship of Netball Australia underscores the sport’s strong brand and how well regarded their team is nationally.

The four-and-a-half-year sponsorship agreement runs through June 2027 and replaces the same amount that was taken off the table when mining giant Hancock Prospecting withdrew its support.

“This is an arrangement that benefits everyone from the community to the high-performance realm,” she said.

“We really appreciate the contribution of the Victorian Government and look forward to seeing the sport continue to develop in all areas as we continue to grow at The Diamonds.

“It just goes to show that we have a strong brand as a sport and with the way we perform I think we represent women and communities really well. We are really proud of that.”

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW: Friendly fire as the Diamonds win game two against England.