Having stuttered throughout the first half of last week's 2-0 triumph at home to Iraq, Postecoglou shifted Massimo Luongo, Milos Degenek and injured captain Mile Jedinak to the bench. In came Matthew Spiranovic, Ryan McGowan and Robbie Kruse.
That sort of depth, not to mention ability to switch formation, is not something normally associated with the Socceroos -- at least not in recent years under the guidance of Pim Verbeek and Holger Osieck.
Perhaps the best evidence of this was in midfield. Postecoglou utilised the significant talents of Luongo, Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic in last week's starting line-up, before dropping Luongo and reverting to a more familiar 4-3-3 shape in Abu Dhabi.
This ability to respond to various challenges as they emerge is the key to prolonged success. As Postecoglou walked from the pitch at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, having claimed his first World Cup qualification win in the Middle East, he no doubt would have been thrilled with the newfound squad depth and flexibility at his disposal.
In one month, the Socceroos will face Saudi Arabia -- who are currently second and also on six points in Group B -- as well as old foes Japan. In these two contests -- which shape as crucial on the road to Russia -- maintaining such adaptability will be a priority.