A Jamie Dwyer hat-trick led the Kookaburras to a 5-2 victory over Korea on Wednesday at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament.
The three-time Olympian, later named man of the match, was joined on the scoresheet by fellow Olympic gold medallist, captain Mark Knowles, and Eddie Ockenden who struck his 60th goal for Australia.
The result keeps the world No.1 Kookaburras top of the standings after three matches, ahead of seventh-ranked New Zealand on goal difference.
The trans-Tasman rivals meet on Thursday evening (8:10pm AEST).
Coach Graham Reid said he couldn't fault the Kookaburras' attitude and endeavour, although he cautioned "we can't expect to win tournaments giving away 11 corners (in a match). That's something to work on".
On Dwyer's early form, Reid said: "He's been hanging at the bit to play for Australia again. It's good to see him keen. All the things we spoke about in November, we're seeing the right actions here."
Following a goalless opening quarter of an hour, the Kookaburras found themselves behind to Seongkyu Kim's penalty corner goal two minutes into the second quarter, but Dwyer's strike a minute later restored parity.
Missing forward Glenn Turner, who suffered a pectoral injury in training earlier in the day, Australia went ahead through Knowles' goal from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute. And, a minute later, Tasmanian Ockenden doubled the advantage.
On the stroke of three-quarter time, Dwyer struck again from a penalty corner and the 36-year-old forward completed his hat-trick soon after the restart.
World No.8 Korea pulled one back from a penalty corner through Jonghyun Jang six minutes from time, a reward for their persistence in winning 11 corners.
"We're doing a lot of learning here, which is part of it. We had a good session on set plays today and we saw some of that tonight. It's (about taking) slow baby steps at the moment," Reid said.
Looking ahead to the clash with the Black Sticks, Reid said: "They're playing very well. They're looking sharp and it's going to be a tough encounter. We're looking forward to it."
Following his injury, Turner will play no further part in the tournament.
SULTAN AZLAN SHAH CUP STANDINGS:
* 1. Australia (9 points, 3 games)
* 2. New Zealand (9 points, 3 games)
* 3. Korea (4 points, 3 games)
* 4. India (1 point, 2 games)
* 5. Malaysia (0 points, 2 games)
* 6. Canada (0 points, 0 games).
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