Experienced point-guard Steph Reid is keeping it simple in her bid for a spot on the Australian Opals' plane to Berlin for the Women's World Cup.

Reid, often unlucky to be overlooked for national teams, first lined up for the Opals in friendlies and qualifying tournaments before featuring in last year's breakthrough Asia Cup triumph.

Now the 29-year-old is eyeing selection at what would be her first major international tournament in September.

"I bloody hope it's time," Reid said after starring in Australia's 76-74 friendly win over China in Melbourne on Tuesday.

"But Australia's in such a position now with so much talent and so much strength, and a lot (of players) in the WNBA as well.

"I've worked really hard to be here and everyone knows my story. I'm doing everything in my power to make sure I fit into this system and this culture."

Reid, who is returning to the WNBL with expansion team Tasmania Jewels next season, knows there is nothing complicated about her Opals role.

It is based on bringing defence and organisation to the team in pursuit of a gold medal.

"I'm just trying my best to do what I know this team needs of me," Reid said.

"It doesn't always require scoring or big plays, but it's just trying to fit in and make sure that I can help this team win a World Cup.

"That's the end goal - to win gold - and I want to contribute as much as I can."

Reid put her best foot forward against China in the first of two exhibition games in Melbourne, leading the Opals with 16 points and five assists.

Her ice-cool free-throws in the dying seconds gave Australia crucial breathing space, and the playmaker will again be a key figure when the teams meet at John Cain Arena on Thursday.

"Every game's important and everything creates momentum for the World Cup," Reid said.

"Even if girls are away overseas or here, it matters. We play every game to win and especially on home soil."

Standing between the Opals and another win is China's 220cm centre Zhang Ziyu, who scored a game-high 28 points.

The 19-year-old was a formidable physical presence at both ends of the floor and a difficult opponent to prepare for.

"We've got coaches in the bloody paint holding up two big signs pretending they're seven-foot-three," Reid said.

"You've got to work on a different kind of shot for a seven-footer, but she stands back and allows that space, so that (floater) is a shot that we know we have to take.

"It's not necessarily what we're always wanting, but if that's the best shot on the offence, that's what you've got to do."