Olympic sevens champion Charlotte Caslick admits her side took their time at the top for granted and haven't celebrated their wins enough.
Ahead of the world series finale starting on Friday in Paris, Caslick said the side had to strike a balance between appreciating the good times and working hard enough to stay on top.
It's a weird concession given just two years ago the team won gold in the sport's Olympic debut and claimed their first world series crown.
They enter the Paris tournament with a four-point lead over the fast-finishing New Zealand.
It marks the start of a new era under coach John Manenti, who officially replaced long-time mentor Tim Walsh last week.
Now in charge of the men's side, Walsh was well-liked and successful but Caslick said an adjustment was due ahead of Tokyo's 2020 Games.
"We haven't really appreciated the time on top, so John wants us to celebrate the wins," Caslick told AAP.
"I think we can do that while still working hard when we need to."
The title is likely to be decided on the last day of competition, with Australia able to cling to top spot just by making Sunday's final.
New Zealand pipped Australia in overtime of the Commonwealth Games gold medal game and have won the last two tournaments.
But Australia won the first two legs and, regardless of how New Zealand fare, will claim their second world title with a top-two finish.
Defending champions New Zealand have won the other four legs and enter as the form side, thumping Australia 46-0 in the final of the Canadian leg last month.
It marked a drastic flip in the power rankings after Australia beat New Zealand 31-0 in January's Sydney final.
"We do keep in mind where we are (on the ladder) because to win is top priority," Caslick told AAP.
"Canada was a blow out but that won't define our season ... we've got to get more physical against them and hold and respect the ball."
Australia will play Fiji, Russia and Canada in pool games from Friday.
The fourth-placed Australian men's side are too far back to improve their overall position when their tournament begins on Saturday, with pool games against Wales, Spain and Ireland.
AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND THIS SEASON
Sydney - Australia 31-0 (final)
Gold Coast Commonwealth Games - New Zealand 17-12 (final)
Japan - New Zealand 17-12 (semi-final)
Canada - New Zealand 46-0 (final)
