“We will give her the space. There is no pressure from us. We will support her. I think she can still play but,if she doesn’t,that is fine,too. It was pretty special to watch her play and be integrated,and still play at a high level with the Opals at the age of 42.”
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Jackson’s return to the international scene in 2022 ahead of the World Cup in Sydney helped the Opals not only on court,where she restored a defence-based ethos and put on a show with 30 points in the bronze-medal winning game against Canada,but also off the court,where she healed a fractured team after the disaster of Tokyo.
While the youngsters refer to her as GOAT – Jackson had already been to two Olympics by the time Borlase was born – playing with the legendary forward-centre was even special for veteran Cayla George,34,who had pictures of Jackson on her schoolbooks.
Next generation
The most pleasing aspect of the win over Serbia was the impact next-generation talents Borlase,19,and Melbourne,21,had. The long-time friends were pivotal. Melbourne,coming off the bench,had greater responsibility with captain Tess Madgen resting. Madgen continues to deal with knee issues,and has had a restricted WNBL campaign. Melbourne,who plays in the WNBA and WNBL,enjoys pushing the ball at the point,and provided two crucial late buckets,and a key make at the foul line. She finished with 10 points,four assists and four rebounds.
Borlase,the Adelaide Lightning small forward who hails from a strong sporting family,with her father a Port Adelaide great,her brother with the Adelaide Crows and mother a former Australian netballer,shifted into a starting role with Alannah Smith also resting.
Borlase had 12 points,four assists and two rebounds. A deft pass to a cutting George was a treat,while her pair of three-pointers,and two late free-throws,were also pivotal,highlighting why she is on the verge of WNBA selection. Brondello said the Opals’ future was bright.
“Our experienced players certainly helped the composure,but[I was] really impressed with our young kids that we threw out there. The only way they learn is through experience,that is going to help us as we move forward,” Brondello said.
Selection squeeze
Melbourne and Borlase have done enough to prove they deserve to retain their spots for Paris,for the Opals must also keep an eye on the future. But,remember,Steph Talbot,who earned All-Star Five selection at the 2022 World Cup,star playmaker Kristy Wallace,two-time WNBL champion Darcee Garbin and three-point queen Alice Kunek were unavailable for selection for Brazil.
Paris expectations
Having exited in a quarter-final loss to the USA in Tokyo after the pre-tournament drama involving Liz Cambage,the Opals will expect to make the medal rounds in Paris. Sharpshooter Bec Allen is back to her best,Marianna Tolo is bruising in the paint and forward Ezi Magbegor is world-class,while starting point guard Sami Whitcomb is forever on the move. As always,though,it will be a case of hoping to avoid the USA.
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