Brondello's Opals chasing that 'elusive gold medal'

In a few short weeks, the Australian Opals will be out to build on their 2024 Paris Olympic Games bronze medal at the FIBA World Cup in Germany.

Coach Sandy Brondello has once again named a strong squad, headlined by bronzed Opals Alanna Smith, Ezi Magbegor, Jade Melbourne, Isobel Borlase, Sami Whitcomb and Steph Talbot.

Those six will be joined by Sydney's Ally Wilson and Isabelle Bourne, Adelaide's Zitina Aokuso, Townsville's Alex Fowler, Tasmania's Steph Reid and former Perth Lynx forward Chloe Bibby.

Brondello, who is currently coaching WNBA franchise Toronto, is confident her squad can secure that elusive gold medal in the upcoming major tournaments.

"It's a new campaign now, it's the road to LA (2028 Los Angeles Olympics)," Brondello said to basketball.com.au.

"The last four years have been good, but it's now: how do we get that elusive gold medal.

"Coaching the Australian Opals is an honour; I never take the responsibility lightly.

"Having represented at six Olympics as a player and now coach, the Opals is such a big part of my life and one that I am most proud of."

Following the 2026 World Cup in Berlin, the WNBL27 season will tip off in mid October, which excites Brondello, who played 192 games for the Pumas, Bankstown, Sydney and Brisbane (where she won 1992 MVP) during her career.

Tipping things off will be the historic Tasmania Jewels and Geelong Venom clash on October 15 at MyState Bank Arena.

Read the full story here >>Brondello: From suspension to hunt for Olympic gold