Coach Paul Gaudoin has praised the next generation of Hockeyroos after his team claimed the Oceania Cup with a hard-fought 2-0 win over New Zealand in Sydney.
Jane Claxton scored early but it was 21-year-old Kristina Bates who doubled the lead with a contentious goal just before halftime in Sunday's decider.
The victory ensures the women's national team are likely to retain fifth spot in the world rankings, one slot ahead of their Trans Tasman rivals.
Gaudoin said the development of their squad was key ahead of the Commonwealth Games and World Cup next year.
"I'd like to think that we've taken a step up. It's a very young group, I think we've got nine girls who were eligible for under-21s last year. That's a massive amount," Gaudoin said on Sunday.
"We are progressing but there'll be little dips and troughs along the way. As long as the trajectory is going in the right direction, we'll be looking good hopefully for next year.
"It was a very important tournament for ranking points and we're pleased we've got those."
Claxton broke through from just inside the shooting circle after an Emily Smith pass in the second minute.
New Zealand had a number of chances to equalise on the counter but couldn't convert their opportunities and then conceded again just before halftime.
Bates deflected a 40-metre pass from Ashley Fea seconds before the buzzer, forcing officials to momentarily discuss whether the goal came just in time.
The visitors burst out of the gates in the second half and should've cut the lead when Rachel McCann found herself in front of goal, but was turned away by goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram.
Bartram had a huge third period, also denying New Zealand captain Stacey Michelsen and Kelsey Smith to preserve Australia's two-goal lead at the final change.
It wasn't until the fourth quarter that the Black Sticks earned their first penalty corner, however they were still unable to find a way through Australia's defence.
The Hockeyroos now turn their attention to the International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne next month before a three-Test series against Japan in Adelaide.
"We'll be up against Holland, number one in the world; the US, who won their World League semi-final; so we're playing some very good teams in form," Gaudoin said.
