It will be the first time the reigning world champions and Beijing Olympic silver medallists Opals have played in Dandenong.

The team will feature Olympians Rohanee Cox, Emma Randall, Hollie Grima, Jenni Screen and Alicia Poto.

Former national women's league Dandenong Rangers' Liz Cambridge, Carly Wilson in her famous pink socks, and Emma Randall will also be in action. Elyse Penalluna, who plays for the Rangers in the South Eastern Basketball League, will be among the 15-member squad.

Opals star Laura Jackson, considered the best women's basketballer in the world, will be missing after straining an Achilles tendon during a game with Seattle Storm in the American national league.

In the lead-up to the third and final friendly, Opals coach Carrie Graf said fans would be able to see some of the best players in the world in action against China, which finished fourth in Beijing.

"We have a good chunk of Olympians and we're on home soil, so we're looking to avenge our 2-1 series loss to China in May. There's no question that this (series of friendlies) is a critical part of our preparation for the world championships and to get us ready for NZ."

A team of 12 will be selected at the end of the three-game series to contest the 2009 FIBA Oceania Championships against NZ on August 31 and in Canberra on September 2. The championship will determine if Australia has qualified for 2010 world championships.

Dandenong Basketball Association general manager Graeme Allen said getting the match was a "coup" for the city. "It's the first time the Opals have been back in Melbourne since the Commonwealth Games when they won the gold medal, and the first time ever they have played at Dandenong."

The DBA is offering 10 family passes (two adults and two children) to next Friday night's game. The first 10 people to ring the DBA on 97947192 and mention the Journal promotion will win a family pass.