Jordan Thompson believes Australia's leading men can make some genuine noise in their home grand slam as they embark on a 43 year first on Sunday in Melbourne.
For the first time since 1982, there are three seeded Australian men in the singles draw.
Alex de Minaur (8) is the leading Australian Open hope while Alexei Popyrin (25) and Thompson (27) are also playing some of the best tennis of their careers.
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Jordan Thompson, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Max Purcell, Alex de Minaur and Matthew Ebden. Getty
"We've got a great crew and Nick's (Kyrgios) unseeded," Thompson said on Friday.
"If he's fit, I mean he's a contender and he's made the final at Wimbledon. We've got Demon (de Minaur) in the top 10, Pop (Popyrin) seeded, myself, you know, Kokk's (Thanasi Kokkinakis) going really well as well.
"Hopefully he's fighting fit but yeah, Australian tennis is looking pretty good at the top and I think we're all just pushing each other. We just want to get better and keep pushing up the rankings, all of us, and hopefully a few more of us will get seeded in the future."
Mark Edmondson was the last local man to win the Australian Open when the world No.212 stunned compatriot John Newcombe in the 1976 final.
De Minaur is rated Australia's best chance of ending that painful drought and he will open his campaign against Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands.
"He did three quarters in a row of slams last year," Thompson noted.
Alex de Minaur of Australia reacts after a point against Daniel Evans of Great Britain. Getty
"You know, top 10, I think he got to six – he's just continually getting better. He's constantly improving, he works so hard, he's very professional.
"Guys in the locker room know it's going to take a big effort for them to beat him. His movement is unreal and I said at the US Open when I lost to him (in the fourth round last year) that he doesn't really have a weakness.
"It is really hard to hurt him on the court because of his speed. So I think if he just has a good week and it all goes his way, he can definitely do some damage."
Jordan Thompson and Max Purcell of Australia celebrate after defeating Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz of Germany. Getty
Thompson, 30, is at the peak of his powers and has drawn confidence from beating the likes of Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal in the last 12 months.
The Sydney product has never lacked confidence but has managed to unlock an extra level to his game.
"Probably mentality on the court, you know, I'm trying to be more aggressive," he said.
Jordan Thompson of Australia celebrates a point against Hubert Hurkacz of Poland. Getty
"I'm trying to use all the aspects of the game to win points. Trying to push forward to the net as much as I can. I've got to use my speed and my volleys to my advantage. Obviously you can use the speed to defend when need be, but that's not Plan A. So I guess just taking the game on a little bit more and it's definitely paid off."
Thompson will play Dominik Koepfer of Germany in the first round but said he hadn't looked any further ahead at the draw.
He is yet to progress further than the second round of his home grand slam.
