The Stingers, as they are known, started the year with a clean sweep against Japan in a two-game series in Brisbane and they blew the scores right open with a 20-9 and 18-6 victories.

For Rio Olympian Zoe Arancini it was a great start to their year of Olympic preparation. 

"I think it’s very important, it sets the right tone for the season, builds confidence within team especially 18 months out from an Olympics," she said. 

"It affords us the opportunity to strengthen team combinations and build confidence amongst the team."

Australia has enjoyed much success at the Olympics since the introduction of the women's event at Sydney 2000. 

They took from gold on home soil against the United States before going on to pick up two more medals at Bejing 2008 and London 2012 while in Athens 2004 they just missed out on a medal. 

However, in Rio 2016 the tables turned for the Stingers, finishing sixth after Hungary fought back from being 5-1 down in the first half to level the game with only minutes left before going on to win the penalty shootout.

While 2019 is used as a time to prepare for 2020, it is also used as a year to earn a quota spot.

If the Stingers make the final of the World League and final of the World Championships they will earn their quota spot but if they do not there is still a chance to qualify at the Continental Championships next year. 

The Stingers are preparing to give themselves the best opportunity to earn that quota spot.