Kookaburra Fergus Kavanagh has not skipped a beat since winning bronze at the Beijing Olympics four years ago.

The 26-year-old engineering-commerce graduate has been selected in every hockey team that has won gold at the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and four consecutive Champions Trophies under coach Ric Charlesworth.

While talent and durability have been important, his versatility has made him a valuable asset.

Charlesworth believes he has been a core member because of his ability to slot into the midfield, defence and "at a pinch" in attack.

"He is a skilled, thoughtful, smart and diligent player who has been interchangeable on the field," Charlesworth said.

Kavanagh said he has had to develop his versatility since Charlesworth came on board in 2009.

"I have played every position on the field except goalkeeper, so I think that has helped me being selected in every team," he said.

"I love getting up forward and creating and scoring goals.

"However, there is also a real satisfaction in defence when you dispossess the opposition and prevent them from scoring."

Kavanagh said it was important to make the most of every selection opportunity, starting with a series against the Netherlands and Argentina which begins in Perth tomorrow.

"There are limited opportunities this year, so every chance to showcase your skills is important," he said.

Kavanagh has been selected in the Kookaburras squad of 18 alongside WA teammates Graeme Begbie and Kyle Brown, while eight others will play for Australia A, among them Athens Olympic gold medallist Bevan George.

"I don't read anything into these early selections - selectors will be looking at different players in different teams and if you perform well for Australia A you have as much chance of being selected for the Olympics as players who perform well for the Kookaburras," Kavanagh said.

Kookaburras Squad: Graeme Begbie (WA), Kiel Brown (WA), Nathan Burgers (QLD), Andrew Charter (ACT), Joel Carroll (NT), Chris Ciriello (VIC), Tim Deavin (TAS), Luke Doerner (TAS), Jamie Dwyer (QLD), Russell Ford (VIC), Matt Gohdes (QLD), Fergus Kavanagh (WA), Mark Knowles (QLD), Eddie Ockenden (TAS), Simon Orchard (NSW), Mark Paterson (NSW), Glenn Simpson (VIC), Glenn Turner (ACT).

Australia A Squad: Matthew Butturini (NSW), Jonathon Charlesworth (WA), Brent Dancer (WA), Liam De Young (QLD), Kieran Govers (NSW), Rob Hammond (QLD), Matthew Swann (QLD), Chris Bausor (WA), Tim Bates (QLD), Ian Burcher (WA), Tristan Clemons (WA), Bevan George (WA), Daniel Hotchkis (ACT), Trent Mitton (WA), Jacob Whetton (QLD), Tristan White (NSW), Tom Wickham (SA), Matthew Willis (NSW), Aran Zalewski (WA).