The Kookaburras, featuring Burgers and fellow Canberran Glenn Turner, beat nemesis Germany 2-1 in the final at New Delhi early yesterday in one of the sport's two major tournaments and eased the pain of losing to the Germans in the 2002 and 2006 finals.

Eddie Ockenden's early field goal gave Australia the advantage for most of the game until Germany equalised in the 48th minute.

Man of the match Luke Doerner's converted penalty corner in the 59th minute gave the Kookaburras the lead.

Germany had the chance to force extra time with its own corner in the dying minutes, but Burgers got his chest in the way to lead the Kookaburras to their first world title since their 1986 triumph in London.

''It's very important for the group and all of Australian hockey,'' Doerner said.

''It's the one that we've missed out on, we've been bridesmaids the past two times and we haven't won it since '86, so it's been a long time coming.

''It's something all the boys have worked pretty hard for in the last 18months since [coach] Ric [Charlesworth] took over.''

Veteran defender Liam De Young is one of only two Kookaburras who played in both previous losing finals captain Jamie Dwyer is the other and admitted he knew this was his last chance to win a world title.

''It's massive. This and the Olympics are the two biggest events in hockey and third time around to win this one against Germany is an awesome feeling. No doubt as it sinks in it will be even better,'' De Young said.

Charlesworth is now just the second man after Dutchman Hans Jorritsma to have won World Cups as both a player and coach and soaked up the victory in the grandstand.

''I am too noisy and too excited on the bench, so I preferred to be calm in the stands,'' Charlesworth said.

''I am very, very pleased. We played a good game with a lot of control and authority. Scoring that early goal was very helpful.

''I am pleased to win both as player and captain. In 1986, the score was the same, but the opponents [England] were different.''

Australia's win in the final was its sixth on the trot after it began the tournament with a 3-2 loss to England, which put high stakes on its following pool matches.

Australia's next major tournament is the Champions Trophy, to be held in Germany from July.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands won the bronze medal after they stormed home in the second half to beat England 4-3. Dutch goalkeeper Guus Vogels was named player of the tournament.

AAP