The hosts picked up their second win from their last three Pro League matches with a 4-3 victory at the Tasmania Hockey Centre.

Mariah Williams was the star of the show for Australia, ranked at number three in the world, as she scored one and set up another in a battling triumph for her side.

Williams broke the deadlock in the first quarter with a penalty corner deflection to put Australia in front.

China, seeking to cause an upset in Hobart, responded midway through the second period thanks to Zhong Jiaqi’s powerful effort.

Rosie Malone restored Australia's lead before Dan Wen equalised shortly after in a frenetic end to the second quarter.

After neither side found the net in the third stanza, Australia took the game away from China with two goals in quick succession as the visitors began to lose their discipline.

Grace Stewart made it 3-2 to the home side before Williams turned provider, laying on a simple tap-in for Savannah Fitzpatrick.

Yong Jing gave China a glimmer of hope as she reduced the deficit to one goal with four minutes remaining but Australia held on to move into second place in the Pro League standings.

"It’s only my third international match in the last two years, so I’m very stoked and happy to get player of the match," said Williams.

"We are really happy with that result, and we need to come out tomorrow and have another good result."

Australia's men and women are both due to be in action tomorrow as they take on Germany.