The Australian women’s team, gunning for a fourth straight Commonwealth Games gold medal, won its first match of the Gold Coast games on Thursday afternoon, defeating a gallant Canadian outfit 1-0.

The Hockeyroos, led by experienced players Jodie Kenny, Eddie Bone and Emily Smith, were on the attack from the opening whistle but it took some time for the hosts to hit their straps.

A Commonwealth Games veteran, Kenny was the straw that broke Canada’s back deep into the second term, a series of impressive moves in front of goal allowing the classy striker to draw a penalty stroke, where a regulation strike opened Australia’s goal tally for the 2018 games.

Emily Hurtz and Brooke Peris showed bursts of speed throughout the game and both were responsible for a number of dangerous attacks for Australia.

In defence, Rachael Lynch was rock solid as always whilst youngster Renee Taylor proved to be a tough matchup for the Canadians.

Bone, too, in her first major international competition after battling a knee injury towards the end of 2017, was tremendous for the Australians.

The Canadians gave Australia a scare late in the game, creating a penalty corner and an open strike at goal but the ball sailed wide.

Canada was impressive in their first hit-out for the Commonwealth Games but were hindered with an early injury to Rachel Donohoe that required her to be stretchered off the field.

The hard-fought victory leaves Australia well-placed as they head into Sunday’s match against Ghana.

The Australian women’s team are next in action on Saturday against Ghana from 9.30pm AEST live on Channel 7 and the 7 App.