Garbin's World Cup "burn" fuels 2028 fire

The Australian Opals will begin their 2026 World Cup journey in just over a week, with their entire focus being on bringing home the gold medal.

That goal is entirely in reach for Sandy Brondello's side, which is loaded with plenty of WNBA and WNBL talent.

One star who won't be on the plane to Germany is Tasmania Jewels forward Darcee Garbin.

After being part of the Opals' bronze medal-winning side at the 2022 World Cup in Sydney, as well as their squad for July's fixtures with China, the new mother thought she had a 'chance' of making the final 12-person roster. But that unfortunately wasn't the case for Garbin, who explained the decision hurt.

"That [non-selection] burns a little bit," Garbin said during the Jewels' media availability on Tuesday.

"Honestly, I thought when Cayla George was pregnant that opened up a spot for me.

"I felt like, with my experience and my leadership, I'd slot right into that.

"I know I am eight months, nearly nine months postpartum, but I was really happy with how I performed in those China games in Melbourne.

"Maybe I didn't play as much or get as big an opportunity, but I thought I could still bring what I did bring to the Opals, previously to having Rose.

"So yeah, I'm really disappointed, but I've now got LA (Los Angeles) in two years circled on the calendar and that's my next big goal in terms of international basketball."

Garbin, who was named 2026 NBL1 West's Sixth Player of the Year while playing with Cockburn, admits the hurt makes her hungrier than ever to make the team for the 2028 Olympics.

"The last month, if I've ever needed motivation, it's that call that you get from Sandy [Brondello] that you don't want, to say that you haven't made the team," she said.

"There's a lot of motivation going into this [WNBL] season.

"I don't think it [pregnancy] is a mark against me; maybe I wasn't as ready as they thought I was.

"It's never a fun job selecting teams, and I would hate to be a coach making that choice, but I felt I did every single thing I could to put myself in the best position.

"Even in the last four to five weeks since selection, I felt like I've gotten fitter again, but that's just how Sandy saw it.

"I'm hoping I can impress over this during WNBL season and going forward in the next campaign.

"I really want to be in that squad for the next two years, and I really want to be considered for that team in two years going to LA."

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The Western Australian talent believes the Apple Isle is the best spot for her to achieve those goals, especially recently gaining a 'new lease on life'.

"I committed for two years here, and I want to give everything I can," she said.

"I don't know if my husband and I want to extend our family after that or if I'm even going to want to continue playing basketball, as I will be 34.

"It is kind of a new lease on life after having Rose, and as much as I want to push and make that LA team, I'm committed to the Jewels and doing everything I can because I'd love to bring a championship to the team."

Garbin and her Jewels open their historic first season on October 15 against Geelong at MyState Bank Arena.