Local netball player Etena Lupo was lost for words to express his elation when he was allowed to meet his idol, Australian Diamonds goal shooter Donnell Wallam. 

The Phoenix Netball Club player attended the three-day clinics by Donnell and said he had a lot of takeaways from it.

Etena said Wallam's clinic has helped him shapen and enhance his skills and he was looking forward to future tournaments.

"For me personally, it was a really good clinic for us (netball players) here in Samoa to get the chance to meet one of the best goal shooters in the world and see her in real life," he said. 

"I know it's everyone's dream to meet one of the best athletes in the world, especially someone from a high-performance level just like the Australian Diamond Star - Donnell Wallam," he said.

"What I've learned from her is always have that confidence when you get the chance to play and to always believe in yourself. 

"Just play your game and always put your 110 per cent on the court if you want to win. As a defender, it has inspired me to play in the goal shooter's position, this is to prove that they can also do the work. 

"Donnell told me that if she could choose any other positions to play it would probably be GK (goalkeeper). If she can do that, I don't see why I can't."

Etena became a fan of Wallam when she scored the winning point for Australia against England in the Constellation Cup, 55 - 54. He then started following her on Instagram. He continues admiring her work and games from his phone. 

"I started watching her style of play but I love her layups. This year, I am so glad that I got the chance to meet her in person. I posted our picture on Instagram and tagged her," he said. 

"But I was surprised when she replied to my story. Maybe next year, I'm going to use all of her tips to show everyone that not only shooters can do the job but defenders too, if they believe in themselves." 

Donnell and the Australian team gifted him a portrait of their team with a flask bottle and their netball dress.