The Hockeyroos are again the best team in the world, Dutch coach Marl Lammers said after the Australians downed his team 2-1 in their Champions Trophy clash in Sydney.

Desperation in defence and the finishing prowess of captain-striker Katrina Powell were the foundation blocks for the No.4 ranked Hockeyroos' win over their greatest rival.

Australia has endured a lean time against world No.2 the Netherlands in recent times with an upset victory last August their only other win over the Dutch in more than three years since the Sydney Olympics.

Australian coach David Bell praised his side's relentless defence while Lammers said his pre-tournament predictions were turning out right.

"I said before the tournament the Australians on paper are the strongest team here because they have improved a lot after the World Cup," Lammers said, referring to the 2002 World Cup in Perth where the Hockeyroos finished fourth.

"They have (defender) Katie Allen again in the centre with (Angie) Skirving - it is much stronger than before. They have improved a lot."

Allen only recently returned to the Hockeyroos after quitting the team in 2000 and the experience of the 147 cap veteran was telling.

Bell, who has rebuilt the side which dominated hockey through the 1990s but slumped after mass retirements in 2000, said it was great to finally get another win over the Dutch.

"In recent year's we have been on the wrong side of the ledger so this is good," Bell said.

But as for the best team tag - Bell dismissed it, saying the competition between the six nations in the tournament was too tight to anoint favourites.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP