Three-cap rookie Naomi Evans scored a last-minute winner to ensure the Hockeyroos qualified for the Four Nations Final in Japan unbeaten following a 2-1 win over the USA.
Evans calmly slotted the winner with 34 seconds remaining after Savannah Fitzpatrick's pruced a perfect pass.
Barely 60 seconds earlier, USA's Taylor West had cancelled out Georgina Morgan's 23rd minute drag flick.
Australia simply needed to avoid a three-goal defeat to book their spot in Sunday's final in Ibaraki, where they will face Japan after the hosts beat South Korea 4-0 in Saturday's other game.
The Hockeyroos dominated the key statistics, with 36-19 circle entries, 14 shots to six and penalty corners (5-2), but coach Paul Gaudoin wasn't content with the performance.
"I don't think we played as well as we would've liked but it was pleasing to find a way to win in the end," he said.
"We know we have to be better to win a final tomorrow. We will have to be significantly better."
Morgan put Australia ahead halfway through the second period with a trademark finish from a penalty corner and Australia seemed destined to win until Lauren Moyer's cutback from the baseline was expertly deflected home by West.
Although a draw was sufficient to book a place in the final, the Hockeyroos rallied and benefited from a cool finish from Evans.
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