Handy over, prising out Australia's tail and leading (2,3)
I believe the answer is:
on top
'leading' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for on top that I've seen before include "Winning" , "Leading" , "At the summit or in superior position" , "In a dominant position" .)