Australia's record of success against Olympics-bound New Zealand proved the key motivator as the Matildas fought back to secure a draw in yesterday's international friendly at WIN Stadium.
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The Football Ferns haven't beaten the Matildas since 1994 or tasted victory on Australian soil for 21 years.
They looked on track to break their drought yesterday until Matildas defender Thea Slatyer's 93rd-minute header delivered the thrilling equaliser in a 1-1 draw.
"I probably wouldn't have slept [last night] if I hadn't have scored that," Slatyer said.
"Credit to the girls for their fighting spirit. We had so many chances that didn't come off, but it was good to come away with a draw.
"I was due for another goal - it's not usually my role to be the hero.
"At the end of the day, it was like a dream for it to go in."
After a scoreless first half, New Zealand dominated the start of the second and were knocking on the door when Hayley Moorwood combined with Hannah Wilkinson in the box - without success.
Moorwood pulled the trigger herself soon after, only to hit it straight at Matildas goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri.
But in the 50th minute, the pressure finally paid off, as Moorwood headed at the near post from a cross, leaving Barbieri helpless.
Even coach Tom Sermanni doubted Australia had a comeback in them, given they were missing 20 international players, presently involved in club campaigns overseas.
In contrast, New Zealand are at the peak of their preparations for next month's Olympics in London.
New Zealand secured their berth through Oceania, while Australia were knocked out in the Asian confederation qualifiers.
The Matildas had several late chances, with Laura Alleway and teenager Hayley Raso forcing diving saves from New Zealand goalkeeper Jenny Bindon.
New Zealand could have sealed victory when Moorwood struck from 18m while Barbieri was off her line, but the shot was blocked by the Australian defenders.
Still, the Kiwis seemed a certainty to secure a win, until Slatyer emerged as the unlikely hero.
"I was delighted with how we came back in the last 15 minutes because I thought if anything ... we'd die off a bit," Sermanni said.
"We made some significant [substitution] changes to the team, which can upset the rhythm, but it gave us some momentum and energy and I thought we finished the stronger of the two teams.
"It sends a message out to everybody - we've got quality and depth and character."
Lake Illawarra product Caitlin Foord, who was a standout for Australia, particularly in the first half, said the girls had spoken about extending the unbeaten run against New Zealand during last week's camp in Wollongong.
"After 18 years, we don't want to lose now; we just want to keep adding years on it," Foord said.
"We were lucky to get away with the draw there and hopefully next time we'll come up with the win."
Australia meet New Zealand again at WIN Stadium on Wednesday, with kick-off at 12.30pm.
