The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras will undergo the perfect litmus test over the next fortnight when they take on European powerhouses the Netherlands and Belgium as part of the FIH Pro League.
The Netherlands are currently ranked No.1 in the women’s and men’s world hockey rankings.
Belgium are ranked No.2 in the men's rankings and No.4 in the women's.
The upcoming matches loom as important preparation for the Australian teams ahead of August's Oceania Cup against New Zealand, which doubles as Olympic qualifiers.
The world No.3 Hockeyroos enter the European Pro League leg fresh off a 2-0 series victory over India.
The return of Kaitlin Nobbs, Brooke Peris and Steph Kershaw from their club commitments in Europe has further bolstered the squad.
The Hockeyroos will play two matches against the Netherlands in Eindhoven, starting on June 8 (June 9 AEST), before facing Belgium twice in Antwerp.
"It has been a few months since I have played with the Aussie girls so I’m looking forward to going out there and playing the classic Australian way - hard and really fast,” Nobbs said.
“There is a lot of depth in the squad. There are some talented young players coming through joining some girls who have a lot of experience.
"Together it makes for a fierce squad with a lot of competition for spots."
The world No.6 Kookaburras have been strengthened by the return of Tim Brand, Tom Craig, Matt Dawson, Blake Govers and Jeremy Hayward from their European club duties.
The quintet, who have a combined 715 international matches between them, last played for the Kookaburras in the Pro League ‘mini tournament’ in Hobart in late February.
Other inclusions are goalkeeper Ash Thomas, who will make his Kookaburras debut, Davis Atkin, Jacob Anderson and Dylan Martin.
One notable absentee is star midfielder Aran Zalewski, who has remained in Perth after recently becoming a father for the first time.
Like the Hockeyroos, the Kookaburras will play the Netherlands and Belgium twice each.
“I’m really excited to be back," said Hayward, who recently completed a season in the Netherlands with club side Den Bosch.
"It was great to see the boys and I’m excited to have the chance to play for Australia again.
“We just have a goal to keep getting better. These matches will also be good preparation for the Olympic qualifiers in August.”
SCHEDULE:
June 8 - Hockeyroos v Netherlands (Eindhoven) 7.40pm (3.40am AEST, June 9)
June 9 - Kookaburras v Netherlands (Eindhoven) 7.40pm (3.40am AEST, June 10)
June 11 - Hockeyroos v Netherlands (Eindhoven) 3.10pm (11.10pm AEST)
June 12 - Kookaburras v Netherlands (Eindhoven) 7.40pm (3.40am AEST, June 13)
June 16 - Hockeyroos v Belgium (Antwerp) 8.40pm (4.40am AEST, June 17)
June 17 - Kookaburras v Belgium (Antwerp) 4.40pm (12.40am AEST, June 18)
June 19 - Hockeyroos v Belgium (Antwerp) 8.40pm (4.40am AEST, June 20)
June 20 - Kookaburras v Belgium (Antwerp) 8.40pm (4.40am AEST, June 21)
