Degenek isn't playing many minutes and is barely in contention for the Socceroos so it doesn't make much sense. Rowles is a normal choice. 

Even though they aren't crucial Toure is still getting some minutes and possibly Tilio/Triantis. I'd take their high level training, talent and low minutes over some of the A-League high minute guys.

I do think you're right about level of difficulty. It's hard for sure. Though, I rewatched the Japan vs Aus 3rd place playoff last u23 AC and it was closer than the score line suggested, with the quality we would bring it should be very close this time. The coaching and team selections has always been a problem throughout all international teams and that could be our demise. Our attack and midfielder is set to be strong heading into the tournament, worry about our defence. Basically relying on Triantis to hold it down and solid games from Popovic and Farrell. 

I'd rather Madanha then Talbot and don't bring Mauragis. Talbot doesn't offer anything and both make way too mistakes. We've never punished players who make mistakes but we definitely should drop them.

Thought Tilio, Triantis and Teague were good when they came on today. Three obvious starters who actually make us play legit football, useful against Asian nations. 

Degenek isn't playing many minutes and is barely in contention for the Socceroos so it doesn't make much sense. Rowles is a normal choice. 

Even though they aren't crucial Toure is still getting some minutes and possibly Tilio/Triantis. I'd take their high level training, talent and low minutes over some of the A-League high minute guys.

I do think you're right about level of difficulty. It's hard for sure. Though, I rewatched the Japan vs Aus 3rd place playoff last u23 AC and it was closer than the score line suggested, with the quality we would bring it should be very close this time. The coaching and team selections has always been a problem throughout all international teams and that could be our demise. Our attack and midfielder is set to be strong heading into the tournament, worry about our defence. Basically relying on Triantis to hold it down and solid games from Popovic and Farrell. 

I'd rather Madanha then Talbot and don't bring Mauragis. Talbot doesn't offer anything and both make way too mistakes. We've never punished players who make mistakes but we definitely should drop them.

Thought Tilio, Triantis and Teague were good when they came on today. Three obvious starters who actually make us play legit football, useful against Asian nations. 

So Tilio is fit to play and not injured or not to speed? A weird situation.
Im assuming he would get game time providing Ange was still going to be coach at Celtic?
But of course once he joined Spurs then a new coach comes in with a different point of view and things probably changed even with injury he picked up once he joined.

Just shows the disconnect between a sporting director and head coach can be and how it can affect players.
Maybe he’s better off going on loan? Otherwise what’s the point of signing someone and not using him?

In terms of this squad it’s so reassuring how many options we have, options galore. 

Was a bit unimpressed with that. A few did well enough as individuals but we didn't look much like a team.

Toure's goal was well taken and there were good performances from Neiuwenhof, Teague, Brooks and a couple of others. I wonder if the heat and pitch played a part - looked a tad bobbly.

No he won’t lol. Remember he qualified the Olyroos for the tournament as well, it’s not like he just rocked up at the Olympics. 

Ugh. Do we really think Tony Vidmar is up to it?

Of course he is, he masterminded the FFA CoE's 12-0 demolition of Riverina Rhinos in 2017

This is my 'way too early' 18 man squad I'd take to Paris 2024 (IF WE QUALIFY)

1. Bilokapic
2. Cook
3. Miller
4. Rowles
5. Circati
6. Triantis
7. Bos
8. Farrell
9. Teague
10. Nieuwenhof
11. Yazbek
12. Robertson
13. Volpato
14. G. Kuol
15. Tilio
16. Irankunda
17. Toure
18. Maclaren

The 18 man restriction was a real pain to work around, I'd assume similar to last time we would bring 3-5 train-ons up until the tournament starts. I chose Miller, Rowles and Maclaren as my over-age players as they fit specific needs. Miller fits into the starting RB, Rowles can play multiple positions in defence and Maclaren could be really handy against this level of competition and could use someone to finish off the excellent delivery he will likely receive around him. I used the same formula we used in Tokyo 2021. 2 GK's, 6 defenders, 5 mids and 5 attackers. Very important that we have players like Farrell and Rowles who can play multiple positions. I figured in midfield we don't need two 10's because we have Tilio, Robertson and Kuol who can fill that void if necessary. It's very diverse in attack and midfield with many different lineups you could lineup. 
I can't see any other u23 players breaking into this squad, and I just went off necessity for the over-age. Thanks for listening to me ramble.

This is my 'way too early' 18 man squad I'd take to Paris 2024 (IF WE QUALIFY)

1. Bilokapic
2. Cook
3. Miller
4. Rowles
5. Circati
6. Triantis
7. Bos
8. Farrell
9. Teague
10. Nieuwenhof
11. Yazbek
12. Robertson
13. Volpato
14. G. Kuol
15. Tilio
16. Irankunda
17. Toure
18. Maclaren

The 18 man restriction was a real pain to work around, I'd assume similar to last time we would bring 3-5 train-ons up until the tournament starts. I chose Miller, Rowles and Maclaren as my over-age players as they fit specific needs. Miller fits into the starting RB, Rowles can play multiple positions in defence and Maclaren could be really handy against this level of competition and could use someone to finish off the excellent delivery he will likely receive around him. I used the same formula we used in Tokyo 2021. 2 GK's, 6 defenders, 5 mids and 5 attackers. Very important that we have players like Farrell and Rowles who can play multiple positions. I figured in midfield we don't need two 10's because we have Tilio, Robertson and Kuol who can fill that void if necessary. It's very diverse in attack and midfield with many different lineups you could lineup. 
I can't see any other u23 players breaking into this squad, and I just went off necessity for the over-age. Thanks for listening to me ramble.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9i6fB4ZS5Y

Draw 8pm AEST. 

With these players we can't afford any cheapness to stuff around. All out for qualifying and all out at the Olympics. It's true clubs won't budge but it's a fact of life like the Asian or Africa Cup. It's the freedom to not release that's the issue.

This is my 'way too early' 18 man squad I'd take to Paris 2024 (IF WE QUALIFY)

1. Bilokapic
2. Cook
3. Miller
4. Rowles
5. Circati
6. Triantis
7. Bos
8. Farrell
9. Teague
10. Nieuwenhof
11. Yazbek
12. Robertson
13. Volpato
14. G. Kuol
15. Tilio
16. Irankunda
17. Toure
18. Maclaren

The 18 man restriction was a real pain to work around, I'd assume similar to last time we would bring 3-5 train-ons up until the tournament starts. I chose Miller, Rowles and Maclaren as my over-age players as they fit specific needs. Miller fits into the starting RB, Rowles can play multiple positions in defence and Maclaren could be really handy against this level of competition and could use someone to finish off the excellent delivery he will likely receive around him. I used the same formula we used in Tokyo 2021. 2 GK's, 6 defenders, 5 mids and 5 attackers. Very important that we have players like Farrell and Rowles who can play multiple positions. I figured in midfield we don't need two 10's because we have Tilio, Robertson and Kuol who can fill that void if necessary. It's very diverse in attack and midfield with many different lineups you could lineup. 
I can't see any other u23 players breaking into this squad, and I just went off necessity for the over-age. Thanks for listening to me ramble.

That's a cool list. I like it. I'm not sure I'd go with overage players and certainly no Maclaren. I think i'd back u23s and would pick Italiano (RB) Popovic (CB) and whoever is in form from Botic, Jovanovic, Goodwin, Waddingham as a no.9. If I were to pick a 9 as an overager it would definitely be Duke. 

It’d definitely be nice to trust our U-23 strikers for once.

Isn’t Alou Kuol elegible? If so, I’d think him plus Mo Toure and Botic are the three in contention to play #9.

The others still seem a bit inexperienced and/or young for Olympic level… Need their clubs to play them more.

I'm not across the eligibility criteria but Alou Kuol is 23 in July 2024 and the Olympics are November 2024 so I don't think he is eligible? That said he'd be a good pick as an over ager if his form warrants it at the time. I'd be cool with it provided there is a development focus. 

Men's teams are restricted to under-23 players (born on or after 1 January 2001) with a maximum of three overage players allowed

That's a cool list. I like it. I'm not sure I'd go with overage players and certainly no Maclaren. I think i'd back u23s and would pick Italiano (RB) Popovic (CB) and whoever is in form from Botic, Jovanovic, Goodwin, Waddingham as a no.9. If I were to pick a 9 as an overager it would definitely be Duke.