New Zealand beat Austrlia in Melbourne today to win their fourth straight Fast5 Netball World Series title ©Fast5Netball/Facebook

New Zealand's dominance of the Fast5 Netball World Series continued today as they overcame Australia in the grand final at the Hisense Arena in Melbourne. 

The Australians, hosting the tournament for the first time, got the better of their final opponents in the pool stages yesterday but it was their bitter rivals who claimed the biggest prize as they demolished the hosts 41-16 in the final.

The Kiwis' Fast5 Ferns have dominated the competition since its inception, winning the gold medal on home soil in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand eased into the final with a 52-27 defeat of Malawai while Australia overcame South Africa 31-14 in the remaining pool stage matches.

After a nervy start, the Kiwis chose to utilise their double-points power play in the second period but failed to make the most of it, leading by only 12 at half time.

Led by the phenomenal Maria Tutaia, scorer of 27 points in the final, New Zealand continued to extend their advantage in the third quarter, taking a 33-16 lead into the final spell.

The title was by no means secured, however, as Australia saved their power play until the end.

A sublime defensive display from New Zealand, however, prevented their opponents from scoring any points meaning they went on to clinch the title 41-16.

New Zealand's Maria Tutaia, right, was the standout performer of the final as she scored 27 individual points ©Fast5Netball/Facebook
New Zealand's Maria Tutaia, right, was the standout performer of the final as she scored 27 individual points ©Fast5Netball/Facebook

"Maria was shooting threes in our power play which is why we just had to go for those shots," said Australian captain Susan Pettitt.

"They’re really not our strength, our strength is twos, so we were put under a lot of pressure.

"The girls did really well considering the situation, but when our shots aren’t nailing and she’s nailing all of those it is hard."

In the bronze medal match, Malawi claimed their highest ever finish at a Fast5 tournament with a dramatic 35-32 win against England in the third place playoff.

Mwai Kumwenda was in sublime form for the African nation, scoring eight goals from nine attempts to help her side to a three point lead.

They then increased their advantage to seven points at half time before 16 points in the third quarter by Joanne Harten of England gave her side a five point advantage heading into the closing stages.

In a final quarter that threatened to go either way, the African nation rallied late to secure the bronze medal.

Jamaica claimed fifth position as they beat South Africa 34-33 to bring the action to its close.