He's been a vital cog in the Australian Rollers machine for over a decade, but Brett Stibners is now ready for his next challenge.
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The Wollongong Roller Hawks veteran called time on his international career after wrapping up his fourth Paralympics campaign. The Aussies ended their campaign in Tokyo by beating Turkey in their fifth-place men's wheelchair basketball playoff on Saturday, with Stibners announcing his retirement post-match.
"I'm done," Stibners said. "I'm not sure what the other guys are doing, but we've got a lot of young players coming through. We're in good hands."
The Oak Flats resident led Australia to gold in Beijing in 2008, before securing silver four years later. Nick Taylor was part of that squad in London, and said Stibners was an outstanding teammate.
"I think his first Games were in Beijing and that team won a gold medal, and he's been a critical piece of the team ever since," the two-time Paralympian said.
"Brett's pretty much what you see is what you get. He's very direct in his communication style and it's something that's really valued by his teammates. You never wonder where you stand with him, because he lets you know pretty directly, which is important in a team sport.
"He's a very motivated individual and he's managed to play basketball all over the world professionally. Brett has had a great career."
While Stibners' international career is over, the Mercury understands the 42-year-old will continue to play for the Roller Hawks in the National Wheelchair Basketball League.
Taylor, who is the Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT chairman, also wouldn't be surprised if Stibners went into coaching.
"He's been really fantastic at helping some of the younger generation come through as well and leads by example," Taylor said.
"A lot of players tend to step away before they get that urge to come back and contribute in some way. I'd imagine he'll still play for the Roller Hawks and continue to stay fit and keep active, and keep enjoying the game without the level of commitment and training that's needed to compete for the Rollers."
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
