Canberra Capitals guard Maddison Rocci joins Opals squad on road to Olympic Games

But there's no mistake in the message she got this past Friday - the Canberra Capitals guard has been named in the Australian Opals squad on the road to the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Rocci joins Capitals co-captains Marianna Tolo and Kelsey Griffin in the 23-player squad a year out from the rescheduled games.

The two-time WNBL champion has long been regarded as one of Australia's most promising young players.

The Games being delayed by the coronavirus pandemic could be a blessing in disguise for Rocci, who as such had more time to force her way into the squad.

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The Opals squad will eventually be trimmed to 12, with the potential of players coming in or out of the squad as coach Sandy Brondello looks to settle on a roster capable of delivering a gold medal.

"I still don't think it has sunk in to be honest. I've had a few people message me and congratulate me, but it still doesn't feel real," Rocci said.

"It's always been a dream of mine, to be a part of the Opals squad to one day go to the Olympic Games. To get my name in there is super exciting and something I am extremely proud of.

"It would be super special, I'm honestly lost for words. I've just got to keep working hard on things that have got me to where I am today, and especially into the Opals squad.

"The little things I have worked on to develop my game have obviously helped. I'll continue to work on those so when it comes to camps, I'll be ready to go."

Capitals coach and Opals assistant Paul Goriss knows she will be - he has known Rocci had all the makings of a star when he signed her three seasons ago.

"He's like a proud dad. He has been amazing, a massive part of the reason I'm in this squad," Rocci said.

"A massive thanks to him and Kristen Veal for all the hard work they have done over the past few years with Canberra. Gorrie has had trust in me since day one of being with the Caps."

Griffin is one of three naturalised players on the list alongside Leilani Mitchell and Sami Whitcomb, with only one of the trio granted a place in the final squad.

However Griffin also has the chance to press her claim for an Olympic berth in the three-on-three format alongside Keely Froling.

Opals squad: Rebecca Allen, Zitina Aokuso, Sara Blicavs, Elizabeth Cambage, Rebecca Cole, Katie-Rae Ebzery, Darcee Garbin, Cayla George, Kelsey Griffin, Shyla Heal, Tessa Lavey, Tess Madgen, Ezi Magbegor, Tiana Mangakahia, Leilani Mitchell, Lauren Nicholson, Jenna O'Hea, Maddison Rocci, Jaz Shelley, Alanna Smith, Stephanie Talbot, Marianna Tolo, Sami Whitcomb.