Australia is one step closer to the 2008 Olympic Games with a 17-1 victory over New Zealand in the Oceania women's water polo Olympic qualification series at the Valley Pool in Brisbane.

Australia won the quarters 4-0 6-0 5-1 and 2-0 to secure a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series with the winner heading to the eight-nation Olympic Games tournament.

Stingers head coach Greg McFadden was elated with the win and attributed the big margin to Australia's tight defence and fast counter-attack.

"We talked about if we defended well with good communication, we would play well," he said.

"We stuck to the game plan and won quite easily.

"There are still things we need to improve on, especially our extra man, which isn't flash."

Centre forward Nikita Cuffe and star outside shooter Kate Gynther provided four goals each in a game where McFadden singled out goalkeeper Victoria Brown, who made 13 saves, Gynther, Bronwen Knox and counter-attacker Bec Rippon as the team's best.

The second Test is Brisbane on Tuesday, the third on Wednesday.

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