Opals win bronze in the FIBA Women's World Cup

By NBL Media

The Opals have had a fairytale finish on home soil in Sydney as they have won bronze in the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup against Canada 95-65. 

Australia’s G.O.A.T Lauren Jackson made her return from retirement in April suiting up for her hometown Albury-Wogonda Bandits in April. At the end of August, she was an NBL1 East champion and at the start of October, Jackson had a bronze medal to cap off her return to the court. 

Australia loves you Lauren! ??

Lauren Jackson checks out of the game for the last time to raucous applause and a few tears ?#FIBAWWC | @aus_opals pic.twitter.com/H0kzXeSyep

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) October 1, 2022

She started her senior national team career with a bronze medal in the 1998 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany, and 24 years later she does the same in Sydney with 30 points and seven rebounds to send Canada home. 

"They're the best group of the girls, I've had the best time, and it's the best journey I've had in the sport," Jackson said. 

Sara Blicavs with her Geelong Supercats grit was phenomenal, playing aggressive defence and scoring eight points in the first half of the match. 

Frankton’s Darcee Garbin was a spark plug off the bench, exploding for points in quick succession all tournament.

Cayla Geroge continued her domination from the NBL1 North season with the Cairns Dolphins, launching fadeaways and three-pointers in clutch moments throughout the World Cup. 

Bendigo’s Tess Madgen was outstanding, the Opals needed her scoring without Bec Allen and she stepped up big time, the captain of the Opals did not disappoint. 

The Eltham Wildcats superstar Anneli Maley was a critical piece, in her limited minutes she showed her toughness and rebounding skills while being the loudest Opal off the bench. 

Launceston Tornadoes superstar Mariana Tolo was the Opals' x-factor all tournament, becoming the heart and soul of the group with her energy and toughness. 

The full NBL1 Opals squad includes Sara Blicavs (Geelong Supercats), Darcee Garbin (Frankston Blues), Cayla George (Cairns Dolphins), Lauren Jackson (Albury-Wodonga Bandits), Tess Madgen (Bendigo Braves), Anneli Maley (Eltham Wildcats) and Marianna Tolo (Launceston Tornadoes).