Edwina Bone captains Hockeyroos in Trans-Tasman match against New Zealand

The women's national side has been basically stranded in Western Australia since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out early in 2020, playing the bulk of their hockey against the WA under 18s boys outfit in a bid to maintain some sort of match fitness in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympic Games.

But with the travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand now operational and international hockey back, you can't wipe the smile of the 33-year-old's face.

"It's special to play international, even more so being able to captain the side in a match," she added.

The Hockeyroos are rotating skippers throughout the series with New Zealand. Jane Claxton wore the armband in the series opener, a 1-all draw in Palmerston North before Bone captained the Australian team in another draw, this time 2-all, at the same venue.

Brooke Peris skippered the Hockeyroos in the series' third game, another 2-all draw, with both sides unable to be split in the lead-up to the final, to be played Tuesday afternoon New Zealand time.

Bone says the rotation is designed to give everyone a chance to shine in the lead-up to this year's Olympic Games in Japan.

There's just over 50 days to go until the games begin.

"We don't have a designated captain at the moment," she added, before looking at the looming Olympics, what will be her second after representing Australia at Rio in 2016.

"Fifty-two days to go .... it's crazy to think it's so close now.

"It's just great to be back playing international matches. We've only been playing inter-squad matches and games versus the under 18s WA boys for the past 15 months but nothing replicates an international match. The intensity, the unpredictability, the time pressure. It's definitely a step up.

"It's great for us to be able to get these games in prior to our Olympic team being named. Everyone gets their chance to put their hand up to be selected into the final 16."

The Trans-Tasman Series also gave the Australians a chance to promote National Reconciliation Week, wearing an Indigenous-inspired uniform for game two.

Parkes product and proud Wiradjuri woman, Mariah Williams starred in that clash, providing the assist for Steph Kershaw's goal before scoring herself courtesy of a sensational tomahawk to lead the Hockeyroos' charge from two goals down.

The Indigenous uniform was specially designed by Australia's first Indigenous Olympic gold medallist and former Hockeyroo Nova Peris OAM, plus artwork by Indigenous artist Nathan Patterson.

Williams' star showing is a real boon for the Hockeyroos in the lead-up to Tokyo, with the young striker previously battling injury in the lead-up to the series.

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