Freeman and most of his team have fond memories of last year's maiden national title win but will not be living in the past when they arrive in Darwin for this year's competition later this month.

"We will not take anything for granted," Freeman said. "As a group, we are well aware that AHL is all about hard work to achieve favourable results.

"We are always speaking to the group about making continual improvements. This goes a long way towards our development and making us a better team now and in the future.

"The group is always excited to be playing with and against the best in the country. That's what makes this tournament so exciting."

Freeman announced his squad on Monday and said the inevitable climatic changes between Tasmania and the Northern Territory would influence how they prepared.

"The average evening temperature in Tasmania is currently only six degrees. Our preparation is therefore slightly different this year, to assist the team to compete in the Darwin climate.

"We have some exciting young talent coming through our system and this year is the first step in bringing our next generation through.

"As always, selecting the team has involved difficult decisions. This year's team is a mix of experienced players and fresh young talent."

Headlining a Tigers team with an average of 23 are World Cup-winning Olympians Eddie Ockenden and Tim Deavin.

"Eddie and Deavo are extremely experienced players who not only greatly contribute to the group on the field but just as importantly off the field," Freeman said.

Senior national development squad members Jeremy Edwards, Kurt Mackey and Josh Beltz have also been named and the team will showcase five debutants, including youngsters Hayden Beltz and Jack Welch.

"After strong performances at the under-18 and under-21 men's Australian championships, Hayden Beltz and Jack Welch will make their debut in the team on the back of being selected for the national under-21 men's squad," Freeman said.

TASSIE TIGERS: James Dick (TUHC), Kieron Arthur ( NWHGHC), Josh Beltz (DiamondBacks/Hale), Hayden Beltz (DiamondBacks), James Bourke (NWHGHC), Tristan Clemons (Melville City, WA), Geoff Cock (Derwent/Hale), Tim Deavin (vice-captain, Tamar Churinga/Derwent/Peel), Jeremy Edwards (OHA), Jai Walker-Kidd (NWHGHC), Kurt Mackey (OHA), Julian Vittorio (NWHGHC), Angus Boulton (Derwent), Dougal Middleton (Derwent/Bulimba), Eddie Ockenden (captain, NWHGHC/YMCC), Jayden Pearson (TUHC), Jack Welch (DiamondBacks), William Shaw (Derwent/Ryde). Train-ons: Oliver Arnold (DiamondBacks), Oliver Lane (Canterbury)