A frustrated bystander during the last World Cup, Tim Cahill has urged Graham Arnold to make better use of the Socceroos' firepower in Qatar.
The Socceroos qualified for the November tournament thanks to a penalty shoot-out defeat of Peru in June and on Thursday will play New Zealand in a World Cup farewell.
Goalless from general play in the last World Cup and winless at the showpiece since 2010, Australia face a stern test against defending champions France, Tunisia and Denmark.
After scoring five goals across three consecutive World Cups, Cahill was central to Australia's qualification for a fourth in 2018.
But when Bert van Marwijk replaced Ange Postecoglou the 37-year-old was barely used.
Two goals, both penalties to Mile Jedinak, were the returns in Russia as Australia lost 2-1 to France, drew 1-1 with Denmark with Cahill an unused substitute and then lost to Peru 2-0.
"In the last World Cup we had firepower, we were there. How it was used comes down to tactics," Cahill told AAP.
"We pretty much sat behind the ball and watched the game pass us by.
"We chased that World Cup in the end, didn't really dictate anything."
Arnold, who has enlisted the help of 2006 World Cup coach and old friend Guus Hiddink in Brisbane, cast the net wide with a 31-man squad for a series that also includes a Sunday clash in Auckland.
Among them are untried scoring threats Jason Cummings and 18-year-old Garang Kuol, as well as Jamie Maclaren, Marco Tilio, Adam Taggart, Mitchell Duke, Martin Boyle and Mat Leckie.
Doha-based Cahill says he'll have a peripheral role with Arnold's men in Qatar and, like Hiddink in 2006, expects Arnold to approach each clash with strategic difference.
But with Tom Rogic and Daniel Arzani back in the equation too, Australia have options.
"This team has firepower, even though we haven't scored loads of goals," he said.
"It's a fine balance (of selection, structure and mentality) but that's what I love about the game.
"It all comes back to what Arnie's roadmap is in the final showdown."
Thursday's game will be the first between the neighbouring countries since 2011 and mark 100 games since their maiden meeting.
Bailey Wright will not feature in Brisbane, the Sunderland defender flying straight to Auckland after staying in England for the birth of his child.
