The Australians have put a target on New Zealand mid-court dynamo Laura Langman ahead of Sunday's opening netball Test in Melbourne.
The Diamonds are looking to get off to a winning start against their arch-rivals in the Hisense Arena clash, with the remaining two Tests in the Constellation Cup series to be played next week in Auckland and Christchurch.
Australian skipper Natalie von Bertouch, who has finally recovered from a series of injuries to lead her country for the first time on home soil, said stopping star centre Langman was key.
Langman enjoyed a stellar ANZ Championship; integral in her Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic outfit's first title win and shared the competition's MVP award.
Apart from Langman, New Zealand will have a new-look midcourt following the retirement of Joline Henry, Temepara George and Liana Leota.
"She's probably had the best year of her career," said von Bertouch.
"I think she's really stepped it up and any player around her will really lift because of her performances."
It will be von Bertouch's first Test playing under coach Lisa Alexander, who took over after Australia's world championship over-time triumph over New Zealand last year in Singapore.
She said that Alexander had made defence a priority.
"Our defensive game is what can win it for us," von Bertouch said.
"Obviously we would like to win it through the mid-court but our defensive pressure all over the court is what's needed to be able to stop Irene (van Dyk), who's another one who's had a stand-out year."
Much was made during the ANZ Championship about the "lifting" defensive tactic employed by New Zealand team the Mystics.
Von Bertouch said her team was prepared should the Silver Ferns try the move.
She ruled out Australia using it, saying it didn't suit their personnel, however they would consider using an offensive lift after more practice.
"We've got to consider the risk that it puts on the players ... landing techniques and things like that need to be considered."
New Zealand skipper Casey Williams said getting an away win to start the series would be a bonus.
"It would be a great start and we know that maybe the first game out isn't going to be pretty but we want to commit to what we've been doing in training and put it out on court."
Williams said they couldn't take too much out the Magic becoming the first New Zealand team to win the tran-Tasman title, which they did beating the Vixens in Melbourne.
"It's a whole different team, a different competition but it's in the past."
The Australians will name their team on Saturday afternoon.
