Skipper backs team’s anti-sponsor stance
DIAMONDS captain Liz Watson says she is disappointed the Hancock Prospecting sponsorship is off the table but does not regret the stance the team took to support teammate Donnell Wallam.
Hancock announced on Saturday it was pulling its proposed $15m partnership with Netball Australia, in a move that surprised the sport given Wallam and teammates had agreed to wear the sponsor’s logo during the three-test series against England starting this week.
The players have been widely criticised, with many saying they brought the move on themselves.
But Watson, who lifted the Constellation Cup on the Gold Coast on Sunday after a second-half fightback from her team helped win the series 2-2 on goal aggregate, said creating a team atmosphere in which people were not afraid to speak up had been important, even if the sponsorship saga had taught the team valuable lessons.
“Obviously we’re disappointed that the sponsorship is off the table,” Watson said of the deal with Gina Rinehart’s company, which would have lasted until the end of 2025.
“We were very excited and wanted to support it. But also, we’re supporting Donnell, we’re supporting the growth of this program as well and I think we’ve showed different learning points .... from an organisation and players as well.”
As a leader, Watson said she wanted to foster an environment in which players felt secure enough to be themselves and also speak their minds.
“No matter who comes into this group, no matter what their concern, or whatever it is - speak it, share it,” she said.
“I absolutely love this group. I’m so proud of them, every single one of them. It’s not just Donnell, it’s everyone, so I think it’s a nice thing to know that we are creating something very special in this group along with Stace (Marinkovich) and Netball Australia.”
New Zealand coach Noeline Taurua said while there might be things happening behind the scenes with the Diamonds, they would perform “no matter what”.
“Their ability to execute and deliver is always consistent,” Taurua said.