Although the 63-strong squad lacks a global superstar in the style of a Cathy Freeman or Sally Pearson, hopes for medals are high from the likes of middle-distance king Stewart McSweyn and in a number of field events.

Denny showcased his major-event pedigree with a sixth-placed finish in the discus at the 2019 world championships in Doha.

After suffering a serious rib injury in October, the Queenslander decided to complete his Olympic preparation at home and is now back to full fitness.

The worldwide standard in the men's discus so far this year has been high, with five men having thrown further than 68 metres, headed by reigning world champion Daniel Stahl from Sweden (71.40m).

But Denny - who set a new personal best of 66.15m last month - is experienced enough not to read too much into the world lists, especially in an event such as discus where a fluky headwind can make such a difference.

"My team and I know that I am extremely good at getting myself into peak performance mode when it counts," Denny told AAP.

"I know my head is strong and I know I can perform at PB levels in stadium conditions.

"I know where I sit compared to others, whatever the rankings say, and that's the fun thing about the Olympics - it's about what happens on the day.

"The world rankings says I'm ranked 16th on distance, but I can tell you I'm not 16th when it comes to in-stadium discus performance, as I proved in Doha."

Denny is one of 11 Australians competing on the opening day of the track and field program on Friday - a group which also includes reigning Commonwealth high jump champion Brandon Starc, 800m national record holder Catriona Bisset and sprinter Hana Basic in the women's 100m.

"I'm really looking forward to leading everyone off with the likes of Starcy," said the 25-year-old Denny.

"I know that I'm in PB form so it's about digging deep and doing it when it counts."

The only medal event on day one of the 10-day athletics program is the men's 10,000m, where Ugandan world record holder Joshua Cheptegei is the short-priced favourite to complete the first leg of a prospective 10,000m/5000m double.

Patrick Tiernan is the sole Australian in the field after the versatile McSweyn decided to focus solely on the 1500m, believing that was his best shot at a medal.

The Tasmanian is the standout track athlete in the Australian squad, having smashed a host of national records across a wide variety of distances in the past two years.

While Kenyan Timothy Cheruiyot is the deserved 1500m gold-medal favourite, McSweyn is a legitimate podium contender in one of the most prestigious of all Olympic events.

The men's 1500m begins on Tuesday.

"I just have to execute good rounds to get into the final and then make sure I'm running the best race that suits me," Olympic debutant McSweyn told AAP.

"So long as I can step off the track and know I've given 100 per cent for myself, my country, my family and friends and everyone who has invested time into me, I will feel like I've had a good campaign.

"You do have to focus more on the process than the result.

"But I'm going to the Olympics to be highly competitive, to make sure I'm shaking things up, with the aim of being right in the mix when the medals are getting handed out."

Among Australia's best other podium chances are decathlete Ash Moloney, high jumpers Nicola McDermott and Eleanor Patterson, pole vaulter Kurtis Marschall and javelin duo Kathryn Mitchell and Kelsey-Lee Barber, the team's only reigning world champion.

Australian Associated Press