The Diamonds will head into the second game of the Constellation Cup with a 1-0 lead over New Zealand but insist they have plenty of room for improvement.

Australia shrugged off a build-up dominated by the breakdown of Super Netball pay negotiations between the players and Netball Australia to account for the Silver Ferns 50-40 on Thursday night.

But coach Stacey Marinkovich wasn't thrilled with the third quarter at Melbourne's John Cain Arena, when New Zealand were able to outscore the world champions 14-11.

"New Zealand changed their defensive style. They started to really put some walls on there," she said.

"I think we started to get a little bit wide around it, and a little bit one-dimensional in how we were moving, and they were obviously holding possession for long periods of time for them to be able to score.

"So it's something that we need to look at.

"We haven't conquered a four-quarter performance against a top-four nation so there's certainly room for improvement."

Centre Paige Hadley has been cleared of a left knee injury after coming off when NZ centre Maddy Gordon fell on her at the end of the first quarter.

"She got full clearance," Marinkovich said.

"It was a little bit of a tweak to the knee, just sort of extended, but we needed to make sure.

"So now we've got a fresh player to add to the mix next time."

Hard-running Kate Moloney, who was a reserve at the World Cup, was superb, bringing a spark when she replaced Hadley.

"As Kate entered the game I thought she was running the ball hard so we kept with the change," Marinkovich said.

"I have no hesitation of looking to the bench when we need to make changes and sometimes they come with injury.

"... Everybody that's stepping out on court is injecting something new or bringing their strength.

"So it's a privilege to have there and it certainly keeps the competitive environment amongst our group."

A young Silver Ferns group will be fired up and keen to quickly make amends at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Sunday, before the series moves to New Zealand.

New Zealand captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio cut a frustrated figure after the 10-point loss.

"We've got heaps more to give which is not a great feeling for now," the goal attack said.

"I'm feeling like we didn't get it all out on court ... I can't wait for game two. I have that kind of feeling that I want to get out there already.

"So hopefully the group feels like that as well."