The Hockeyroos have secured their place in the 2027 Pro League after claiming a bonus point in a shock 3-1 shootout victory over newly-crowned champions the Netherlands.
The match in Wavre, Belgium was tied 1-1 after normal time after Claire Colwill converted a penalty corner with just 27 seconds remaining.
With time running out on Saturday (early Sunday AEST), the Hockeyroos had withdrawn goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram in favour of an extra field player.
They earned a a penalty corner and Colwill stepped up under pressure to power a drag flick into the bottom-left corner.
Australia carried that momentum into the one-on-one contest, producing a composed performance to secure a 3-1 shootout victory and claim the valuable bonus point.
It meant the Hockeyroos were the first team to take points off the Dutch during this year's competition and also ensured they avoided relegation from the Pro League.
The 2027 tournament will take place on the Gold Coast.
"It's bittersweet really. We put ourselves in a really bad position throughout the whole of the Pro League, but a good end to a big building block I think for us leading into the World Cup," said player of the match Colwill.
The Hockeyroos will now turn their attention to that World Cup which will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands in August.
