EDWINA Bone will potentially take another pivotal step towards Commonwealth Games gold when the Hockeyroos tackle South Africa in tonight's semi-final.
The defending champions have been in sublime touch throughout an undefeated pool stage of the Glasgow Games and will look to stamp their authority on the business end of the tournament from 7pm (AEST) tonight.
Fully aware her side's next game, and potentially the final, will be against some dangerous attacks, Bone says it's up to her and the side’s defence to bring home the spoils.
"We aren't too worried about who we are playing against, as long as we are doing everything in our power to execute set plays and structures we can hopefully continue to find success," the 26-year-old said.
The Commonwealth Games is the former Kinross Wolaroi students’ fifth major tournament since debuting with the Hockeyroos in 2013.
A first place finish in the World League semi-finals in London, 2013, was followed by gold at the Oceania Cup in New Zealand.
At the end of 2013, Bone anchored the Australian women's defence at the World League Finals in Argentina, finishing second, and last month the Hockeyroos surprised many by claiming silver at the World Cup in Hague, Netherlands.
Success hasn't been too far from Bone since debuting. And she's banking on that trend continuing tonight.
"I am enjoying the Games, I never really knew what to expect with the village or the hype around the games but it’s all be positive and I feel like I've settled in nicely now," she said.
"The competition has been handled really well, the people here are so nice and friendly."
And a brush with royalty has been the icing on the cake.
"We just happened to be in the right place at the right time," Bone insists after a meeting with Prince Harry.
"Originally, only Madonna (Blyth) was suppose to meet the Queen but we had finished our recovery so they let us line up to meet her too.
"She even stopped for a little chat which was nice. Same with Will, Kate and Harry yesterday. We were about to leave and then were told that they were coming so we stuck around.”
The semi-finals of the Commonwealth Games begin tonight from 7pm AEST.
Australia plays South Africa while New Zealand tackles England.
