John Coates speaking at the AGM of the Australian Olympic Committee ©Getty Images

Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) President John Coates claims to have a "good feeling" about the country's Rio 2016 chances with less than 90 days until the Opening Ceremony.

This comes as Australia seeks to improve upon a generally underwhelming performance at London 2012, in which the Oceanic nation finished down in 10th on the medals table with seven gold, 16 silver and 12 bronze medals.

Huge work has been undertaken since, including a well publicised alcohol ban in the Athletes' Village.

A study undertaken by the AOC last year predicted that Australia could improve to seventh place and 13 gold medals in Rio de Janeiro, almost double their London gold haul.

Coates, speaking at the AOC Annual General Meeting, suggested they could do even better and secure a top five finish.

“We are anticipating around 440 athletes with representation across 26 of the 28 Olympic sports," he said.

"That will make the Australian Team one of the largest at the Games and our second largest away team ever.

"We have good cause to maintain our top five gold and overall medal targets.

"We continue to punch above our weight in our traditional medal winning sports but with an overweight reliance on swimming.

“I have a very good feel about this team."

Australia will be hoping to comfortably beat their medal haul at the London 2012 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro ©Getty Images
Australia will be hoping to comfortably beat their medal haul at the London 2012 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro ©Getty Images

Coates, an International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice-president and member of the Rio 2016 Coordination Commission, also expressed his confidence that the Games will be a success following a visit to the Brazilian city last month.

This comes despite “a background of unprecedented domestic challenges, politically and economically.”

His words also contrast with his assertion two years ago that preparations were the "worst he had experienced" in his long association with the Games.

"Our conclusion following the recent Coordination Commission meeting was, and remains, that the Rio 2016 Organising Committee and its partners are ready to rise to the challenges and deliver Olympic and Paralympic Games that will reflect the Brazilians' warmth, hospitality and passion for sport," he said.

"The core building blocks are in place.

“The construction of permanent venues is 98 per cent finished but with overlay installations and many field of play items to complete and maintain.

"A lot of hard work in these areas remains before the Games can be delivered."