This was published 9 years ago
Opal Laura Hodges says defence the key for Olympic success in Rio
By Roy Ward
While the Australian Opals are still proudly wearing their bronze medals from the FIBA women's world championships, the discussion is already turning to the Rio Olympics in 2016.
The Opals beat host nation Turkey to claim the bronze medal last week, a victory that will take pride of place in Opals' folklore, considering the team lost superstars Lauren Jackson and Liz Cambage before the tournament but focused on defence and took home a medal.
Laura Hodges (right) played a crucial role as the team's starting power forward and a mentor to the six players in their first major tournament.Credit: AFP
New Opals coach Brendan Joyce's defence first mantra proved the decisive factor in the Opals' tournament as they beat down many promising opponents and became the team no one wanted to play.
Opals veteran forward Laura Hodges was a key player in the team's 2006 world championship gold medal and has played at three Olympics but she said this year's bronze was special because of how the side bounced back from potential disaster.
"This medal is special for the adversity we had to handle and from going with only three girls from London in this team," Hodges said at Bendigo on Saturday night where she was attending the WNBL pre-season tournament.
"To change coaches from two years ago and only have three players stay in the team and still get another bronze is special and I was just so fortunate to be a part of it because you just never know how much you can play for your country - it can go in the flash of an eye.
"That first seven and a half minutes where we kept Turkey scoreless in the bronze medal game was probably the best defensive performance I've ever been a part of.
"When the opposition team doesn't score you are doing your job."
The 30-year-old Adelaide Lightning forward played a crucial role as the team's starting power forward and a mentor to the six players in their first major tournament.
"I was the sixth man for a lot of the 2006 matches, which was a great honour - this time I had to lead the girls who hadn't played for their country before," Hodges said.
"I just took it as an honour and I'm sure a lot of girls would love to be in my position that are still playing at the moment.
"There are so many girls who missed out and we had a huge squad at the start of the year but it always has to go down to 12 players."
London Olympians Jenna O'Hea, Abby Bishop, Suzy Batkovic, Kathleen Macleod along with Jackson and Cambage are all likely to commit to the Opals' Rio campaign after missing this year due to injury or personal circumstances.
WNBA players Penny Taylor and Erin Phillips returned to the squad in Turkey after injury and selection kept them out of London while dual citizen Leilani Mitchell performed well as the Opals' backup point guard.
Taylor made the tournament all-star five while Phillips and centre Marianna Tolo were in the discussion for their excellent performance.
Hodges said the Opals always welcomed players back into the expanded squad, which could also see several young stars emerge.
"Now the Opals squad becomes very large again, it's ever-changing and evolving," Hodges said.
"Whoever makes the Rio team, I'm sure the coaching staff will put a great squad together and as long as the Opals play great defence and play as a unit, then anything is possible.
"There is still so much talent and youth out there, it's exciting for everyone."
One topic of discussion at the WNBL tournament was the possibility of building a late start into the season in future world championship years.
"I'm 30 now, when I was 18 it was like I can't wait for the season," Hodges laughed.
"It would be nice [to have a break] but there is always schedules and I'm sure it's hard for the WNBL and Basketball Australia to schedule things.
"I feel sorry for the coaches who have had players away in Turkey and now come back into the team.
"This week I got back on Wednesday and to do the right thing I have to have this weekend off because you don't want to break down.
"Things must go on, there are so many young girls who are itching to play so they can do the role now."
The WNBL tournament continues at Bendigo Stadium on Sunday morning with games starting at 9.30am with the championship game at midday.