WC 2015 AUS vs NZ: Here’s what the World Cup meant to the Australians

Melbourne: World Cup final quotes from the Australian team after they defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in Sunday's showpiece match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Steve Smith with Australian skipper Michael Clarke. (Photo: AP)

"I thought it was a fitting farewell for Pup (Michael Clarke). I wish he was there with me at the end. We said we wanted to play our best game at the end of the tournament and to win it three down is unbelievable,” said Steve Smith, who was undefeated with a fifth successive fifty.

Mitchell Starc celebrates after taking the wicket of New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum. (Photo: AP)

"There were plenty of nerves. The delivery to dismiss McCullum (out for nought in New Zealand's first over) was a little plan (bowling coach) Craig McDermott and I have been working on and it was nice to see it come together," said Mitchell Starc.

Aaron Finch plays a shot. (Photo: AP)

"You always dream about this as a kid and for it to finally happen, especially at the MCG, is amazing. When you get in a tournament it's all about peaking at the right time, and the way we've played today has been a credit to everybody," said Aaron Finch.

David Warner plays a shot during the finals at the MCG. (Photo: AP)

"The bowlers did their job really well and gave us a good total to chase. You've got to be positive and every game we've been 100 per cent and done all the right things," said David Warner.

Brad Haddin celebrates after taking a catch to send the well-settled Grant Elliott. (Photo: AP)

"The staff have been challenging us to play the perfect game and we delivered on the biggest stage. It's been an amazing four weeks," said Brad Haddin.

"These players just keep fronting up for you day in day out. The support we've had has been unbelievable. The Anzac spirit lives on," Australia coach Darren Lehmann.