She might not have received her golden fairytale ending, but Ward's fourth and final Olympic campaign was the end of an amazing journey, the softballer said.

"I only wish I brought home a different colour," Ward said of her bronze medal.

As the Hunter's 15 Olympians touched down with the rest of the Australian Olympians in Sydney yesterday, some had their sights set on London 2012, while for others, like Ward, it signalled the end of a distinguished career.

Ward was one of only nine Australian Olympic veterans who had been to four or more games, also including a five-time Olympian, Corlette trap shooter Michael Diamond.

"This is it for me and I'm really proud of everything I have achieved during my career," Ward said.

Ward played in Beijing alongside fellow Hunter teammate Morisset softballer Belinda Wright.

Merewether gold medallist Angie Bainbridge, while revelling in post-games celebrations in Canberra, had her sights firmly set on the next four years, mum Lynette Bainbridge said.

"She's very determined and focused on London 2012," Mrs bainbridge said.

Newcastle-bred Olympic basketball silver medalists Jenni Screen and Suzy Batkovic will return to Newcastle on Saturday.

Batkovic would not receive much rest according to her father, Jay Batkovic, in between planning a wedding and moving to Italy.