The Hockeyroos have one foot in Sunday's Four Nations Final after Stephanie Kershaw's double fired them to a 3-1 win over South Korea in Japan.
In a far from complete performance, Australia went ahead through Kershaw's 18th minute rocket past Youbin Choi only for the Koreans to equalise soon after through Hawa In.
Australia regained the ascendancy following a halftime tune-up by coach Paul Gaudoin.
Rosie Malone beat Choi via newcomer Sophie Taylor's cutback in the 44th minute while 51-cap veteran Kershaw increased the buffer 90 seconds from time.
Although Australia recorded 23 circle entries to Korea's eight, the shots on goal count was only 8-7 in the Hockeyroos favour.
South Korea also shaded the penalty corner stat 3-2.
"In the first half we struggled to keep the ball. In the second half we made many passes which allowed us to control the game," Gaudoin said.
"It was pleasing to win and hopefully now make the final."
The win leaves Australia top of the standings in Ibaraki with two wins from two matches after they beat Japan 2-0 on Wednesday.
Japan and the unbeaten US play the late game on Thursday, while Australia wrap up their round robin play against the Americans on Saturday.
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