HOCKEY: Five-time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer heads a new-look Kookaburras squad selected to start the long haul to the 2016 Olympics at next month's Champions Trophy tournament in Melbourne.

The 18-man squad includes 10 players from the outfit that secured the Olympic bronze medal in London.

But the likes of youngsters Trent Mitton, Josh Miller and Tristan White will have the chance to impress, replacing London Olympians Liam de Young, Tim Deavin, Matt Gohdes and Matthew Butturini.

"The first Champions Trophy in the new Olympic cycle will allow teams to try different things," said Kookaburras assistant coach Graham Reid.

"It's important to have some younger players there and bring back athletes we might want to have another look at in different positions."

The Champions Trophy will pit the Kookaburras against Olympic champions Germany, silver medallists The Netherlands, Belgium, England, India, New Zealand and Pakistan from December 1-9.

European-based players Simon Orchard, Fergus Kavanagh, Chris Ciriello and Mark Knowles will all return for the tournament.

Olympian Nathan Burgers announced his retirement from international hockey earlier this month, opening the door for George Bazeley and Andrew Charter to make their claim as Australia's first choice goal keeper.

In recent years, the Australians have dominated the Champions Trophy and will be attempting to win a record fifth successive title.

Australian squad: George Bazeley, Kiel Brown, Joel Carroll, Andrew Charter, Chris Ciriello, Jamie Dwyer, Russell Ford, Kieran Govers, Fergus Kavanagh, Mark Knowles, Josh Miller, Trent Mitton, Eddie Ockenden, Simon Orchard, Glenn Simpson, Matthew Swann, Tristan White, Jason Wilson.

AAP