The squad, to be coached by Capitals mentor Carrie Graf, is headlined by superstar Lauren Jackson who will return to the Capitals next summer. Canberra junior Nat Hurst, now playing in France, has also made the cut.

Graf said although there was a core group of star players who were likely to make up much of the Olympic team, there are a number of spots available to members of the squad who can offer something unique to a team looking for success.

“There are some young athletes that weren’t selected that we feel are a part of the future, who have had very good WNBL seasons. But we’re getting to the pointy end of things now and it’s about the 2012 campaign and who can force their way into the group and who can help us in the process,” Graf said.

The Olympic preparation begins with a selection camp in March and then moves into the official pre-Olympic training camp which tips off in May at the AIS.

Graf said that the March selection camp is a great opportunity for some of the emerging Opals players to show what they can do, while some of the more senior members of the group wrap up their European commitments.

“Six of the athletes are off-shore in Europe so they won’t be a part of that first selection camp, so it’s a really good opportunity for some of those other athletes to show their wares,” she said. “Who are the specialists who are potentially going to fill one or two of three spots on that Olympic team? That’s what we’re looking for,” she said.

The Opals have claimed silver at the last three Olympic Games as well as World Championship Gold in 2006. But after a fifth-place finish at the 2010 World Championship, the group is well aware of the strength of competition that awaits them in London, and the preparation that needs to take place if they are to achieve success at this year’s Olympic Games.

“Once we get the group together the focus will be about the team and what we are looking to do in our preparation in the lead up to the Olympics. But right now, it’s the first selection and once we get the group together we’ll address the group on what we’re looking to do and our preparation phase in our Olympic campaign,” said Graf.

THE TEAM: Suzy BATKOVIC; Abby BISHOP; Elizabeth CAMBAGE; Rohanee COX; Rachael FLANAGAN; Cayla FRANCIS; Kristi HARROWER; Laura HODGES (nee Summerton); Natalie HURST; Lauren JACKSON; Rachel JARRY; Kathleen MACLEOD; Jenna O’HEA; Elyse PENALUNA; Erin PHILLIPS; Alicia POTO; Samantha RICHARDS; Jennifer SCREEN; Belinda SNELL; Penny TAYLOR; Marianna TOLO; Kristen VEAL; Carly WILSON; Hanna ZAVECZ