The Hockeyroos returned to their winning ways in an action-packed 4-3 victory over China in the Pro League in Hobart.
Four goals were as many as the Australian women scored in their previous six games, and only the second time in 18 games they have scored more than two in a match.
The Hockeyroos took a stranglehold on Saturday's contest with two goals early in the final quarter to break a 2-2 deadlock while Chinese defender Sun Xiao was in the sin bin.
They looked to be fatal blows for the visitors, but China grabbed one back when Australian fullback Kaitlin Nobbs also received a yellow card.
A frantic last five minutes featured chances - and cards - for both teams, but Australia hung on to register their second win from three games in this new international tournament.
Player of the match Mariah Williams opened the scoring with a neat penalty corner deflection on 13 minutes, her first goal since returning from a 14-month injury lay-off.
"I'm thrilled and very stoked," said Williams.
"We're very happy with the result but we have to back up tomorrow."
Coach Paul Gaudoin would be pleased with the attacking outcomes but wary of the fact they conceded three times against the 10th-ranked Chinese, who were dangerous on the counterattack in their Pro League debut.
Veteran defender Jodie Kenny missed the match through injury and Australia were at times disorganised at the back.
The women's Pro League has a weekly home-and-away format featuring the world's top nine teams.
Australia hosts Germany in Hobart on Sunday in men's and women's matches, while China travel to New Zealand next weekend.
The top four teams play finals in Holland in June.
