Invincible’ Opals rediscover fear factor ahead of 2024 Paris Games

The GOAT’s return, fresh faces and in-form players have the Opals daring to dream of a podium finish at the Paris Olympics as they set out to have teams fearing to face them.

A drama-free preparation, in-form players across the world and the return of the GOAT Lauren Jackson have the “invincible” Opals confident of a return to the podium at the Paris Olympics.

Three years on from the Liz Cambage chaos that tore the team apart before a disappointing eighth-place finish at the Tokyo Games, star centre Cayla George feels like the Opals’ globally revered “fear factor” has been restored.

George credits the combination of fresh faces and reliable experience for fuelling the Australian women’s belief that they can beat anyone on the world stage.

She said the feeling was on show in spades during the Opals’ recent tour of China.

They had two wins a loss against the Chinese but played with passion and purpose.

George believes the three warm-up games in China are the perfect preparation for a podium finish in Paris, unlike before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics when Cambage’s foul-mouthed and physical altercation in a behind-closed-doors scrimmage against Nigeria derailed the Opals’ campaign.

“We’re hoping to achieve something special at this year’s Olympics,” George said about the Opals, who are coming off two bronze medals at the 2022 World Cup and last year’s Asia Cup.

Cayla George believes the Opals can pull off something special. Picture: Getty Images

“We’re due for another podium finish and I feel like the program is in a strong position to achieve our goal.

“We’re in a much better position compared to the last Olympics (in Tokyo). All that chaos and drama is behind us and it has made everyone in the squad more resilient.

“We now have players in-form playing in Australia and the WNBA, so I feel like we’re in a good position to have success in Paris.”

A buoyant George was full of praise for all her teammates but reserved special plaudits for an evergreen Jackson.

At 43, the FIBA hoops Hall of Famer is the Opals’ most experienced player but she refuses to let age hold her back.

Jackson starred in Australia’s opening win over China when she dropped a team-high 17 points and added six rebounds.

The GOAT Lauren Jackson. Picture: Getty Images

George said the legendary centre’s presence had given the Opals squad a monumental lift.

“Lauren is the oldest player on our team but she leaves you feeling like you’re invincible,” she said.

“That’s how much confidence she gives everyone in the team. We want teams to fear us and she is still playing at such a high level. She is such a bloody legend.”

The Opals lent on next generation stars such as guard Izzy Borlase, Townsville Fire centre Zitina Aokuso and emerging US College sensation Georgia Amoore to step up when the team’s WNBA players were unavailable.

Borlase excelled with 14 points and three rebounds in the opening win before she added a team-high 17 points, five rebounds and two assists in a loss to China.

Aokuso also stood out with 20 points and seven rebounds in a win and 16 points and seven rebounds in a loss.

■ Ultimate guide to the Opals, Boomers in Paris

How do you think the Opals will go in Paris? Picture: Getty Images

George can see a bright future for the Opals based on the squad’s gifted, rising players.

“It’s super important,” she said. “We have so many young players coming through who are playing well.

“Georgia (Amoore) came in and impressed during our tour in China. She fitted in seamlessly and that’s exciting for the future.

“Izzy (Borlase) also played so well, so I think the future of the program is also looking bright.”

The Opals return to the court on June 20 and 21 for two away Olympic warm-up games against Japan.

They then head home to take on China in two games early next month before leaving for the Paris Olympics.

Originally published as Invincible’ Opals rediscover fear factor ahead of 2024 Paris Games