After a low scoring first half which finished 19-17 in favour of Australia, All-Star Five player Shyla Heal inspired the side as her 16 points propelled Australia onto the podium.

"It feels kind of surreal," Heal told FIBA Media.

"You always dream about it as a kid - you train every day in the lead-up so to come third in the world out of so countries is amazing

"We felt we should definitely have been in the Final, but we had a tough loss yesterday so we thought we’d bring it back for Australia and fight our hearts out today.

"I knew we were down and knew my team needed help and my team looks for me to step up in big moments so I thought ‘it’s my time - let's go'," she said.

Hungary, who dominated after halftime scoring 20 points, had led by as many as eight points in the third quarter but was unable to hold onto in the final term.

The lead changed hands down the stretch before Heal hit a clutch basket inside the final minute as the Sapphires defence held firm and they close out the win from the free throw line.