Australia confident of medal rush

Australia will hit the ground, or more precisely the water, with force at Glasgow 2014.

The team’s chef de mission, Steve Moneghetti, was supremely confident the swimming team would lead a green and gold medal rush when the Commonwealth Games open on Wednesday.

Australia are targeting 152 medals in Glasgow and believe at least a third will come from the Tollcross Aquatic Centre.

“(Freestyler) Bronte Barratt mentioned the philosophy we are putting through the team – the one person, one swim team but at the end of the day we are one Commonwealth Games team,” Moneghetti said.

“However, we love the swimming team because they are such an integral part of Australian culture.

"They have a great history and tradition.

“And they will be great for the momentum early. We love having them in the pool early because it is great for our momentum."

While Australia has set a medal goal, England yesterday continued their stance of declining to forecast their successes.

Yet Moneghetti believed Australia would get the early jump on their rivals.

“We can’t control the team and how the competition will go,” he said.

“But There is a very strong air within the village. It is a quietly confident atmosphere.

“From our perspective and the public at home a strong start by the swimmers will bring attention to the Games in a positive way.

“So it is a great way to get the Games started.

“We have cycling and triathlon so there are some great results that should give a great kick-start to our campaign.”