By Tara Murray
Keilor Thunder pair Maddy Rocci and Isabelle Bourne have been named in a 21-player Opals squad, featuring international experience and new faces, for a training camp in April.
The camp in Melbourne, from April 7 to 11, has the program come together for the first time since the bronze-medal winning campaign at last year’s Paris Olympics with focus now turning to a Trans-Tasman series against New Zealand in May then the FIBA Asia Cup in China in July.
Rocci was part of the Opals squad for a number of years and played a number of games for her country last year but missed out on being part of the Olympics team.
For Bourne, it’s the first time she’s been selected in an Opals squad.
The squad has been selected from available players at this point in time, taking into consideration those still competing in seasons abroad and others who have opted to take a break,
Sunbury-raised Sara Blicavs is also in the squad having missed the WNBL season after back surgery.
Newly re-appointed Opals coach Sandy Brondello will lead the camp in Melbourne and is excited to get the squad together.
“This really kick starts the year for us and allows us to have a look at who’s coming through, evaluate who we’ve got. We’re in a good spot, they all deserve to be here and I’m excited about the young talent. We’ve got the New Zealand series and that will be good competition and preparing us for Asia Cup,” she said.
“The biggest thing for the Opals is having contact with our core and best players who compete right around the world.
“It’s good to see Sara (Blicavs) healthy and we’ll get to see where she’s at.
“Courtney [Woods], Miela [Sowah] and Isabelle have all earned their opportunity to be part of their first Opals camp and I’m looking forward to working with them and the whole squad.”
