It the last-ever edition of the tournament in Changzhou, Australia were looking to be named Champions for the first time since 2003 but it wasn't meant to be.

“We didn’t play as well as we would’ve liked. We did some good things today but we need to understand there’s another level we need to get to,” Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said.

“Credit to them, they’re a quality side. They don’t need too many chances to put goals on the scoreboard.

“We want to play more matches against quality teams and you don’t get any better than Holland at the moment. We embraced this opportunity today,” he said.

Ranked world No.1, the Netherlands, raced to a two-goal lead inside the opening 11 minutes with goals from Xan de Waard and Eva de Goede.

Maddy Fitzpatrick gave the Hockeyroos a glimpse of hope when she scored to make it 2-1, however, the Dutch responded almost immediately from Lauren Stam.

Last quarter goals from Maxime Kerstholt and Maria Verschoor rounded out the victory for the 2018 World Cup winners.

The Champions Trophy is set to be replaced by the new FIH Pro League next year with Australia's first game against the Netherlands in Melbourne on February 2.