The Seven Consulting Opals have tipped off a new four-year cycle on with a camp in Melbourne this week.
The World No.2, which claimed a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has a big year ahead with a Trans-Tasman series against New Zealand in May providing important preparation for July’s FIBA Asia Cup in China.
A squad of 18 have come together in camp, under Head Coach Sandy Brondello. It’s a testament to the depth of the program with some players still playing overseas, injured or taking a break.
“It’s really, really exciting. I couldn’t sleep last night, with anticipation,” Brondello said.
“It’s a new campaign now, it’s the road to LA (2028 Olympics). The last four years have been good but it’s now how do we get that elusive gold medal.
“Every time we get on the court it’s about how do we continue to get better. It’s a new four-year campaign, we’ve got some new players coming in and we’re really excited about that and as coaches there’s some things we’ve spoken about that we want to implement this week – just our style of play that will help us elevate our game to another level.
“The rest of the world gets better and we want to have sustainable success so it’s about what that looks like, continuing to invest in the young talent and getting to work.”
This week’s camp features Paris Olympians Cayla George, Steph Talbot, Sami Whitcomb, Jade Melbourne, Isobel Borlase and Anneli Maley and Ally Wilson, fresh from their FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup gold medal this month.
First-time camp participants include Isabelle Bourne, Courtney Woods and Miela Sowah who have been rewarded for their WNBL form.
After overcoming a year on the sidelines following back surgery, Sara Blicavs is back in action.
Lauren Scherf, Zitina Aokuso and Shyla Heal have returned to Australia after completing their respective seasons in Europe while Keely Froling, Maddy Rocci, Nyadiew Puoch and Alex Sharp competed in the most recent WNBL campaign.
Camp began with fitness testing at the State Basketball Centre on Monday before the squad took to the court on Tuesday.
“It’s pretty intense and we’re very deliberate with training them during the week as a lot of players have NBL1 commitments,” Brondello said.
“We’re doing two sessions a day on Tuesday and Thursday, one longer session on Wednesday and finish off with an intra-squad scrimmage and we’re excited about that and seeing where we’re at at the end of the camp and letting them go out there and play.
“With the new cycle, we’ve got some new players and I think our biggest strengths will be our size, our versatility and our athleticism so excited to put it together and the group to build some cohesion.”
