Australia's Commonwealth Games athletes aren't gold medal winning machines and arm chair experts shouldn't expect them to be.
That's the message chef de mission Steve Moneghetti wants to emphasise as competitors begin to arrive in the Athletes' Village in Glasgow on Monday (BST).
For the first time in nearly 30 years, Australia could lose top spot on the Games' medal tally on the back of England's momentum from the London Olympics and the British nation's virtual home advantage.
Moneghetti has launched a passionate defence of his charges in anticipation of a backlash if they don't meet the public's high expectations.
"The Australian public they think: `Oh, we're great at the Commonwealth Games, we're going to dominate everything'," he told AAP.
"For God's sake, just realise these are athletes doing their best, having a life-changing experience.
"Be happy for that, be positive about it."
Despite the warning, Moneghetti said stronger competition for Australia would only be positive for the Games.
He said he expected Australia to continue its success in the swimming events, which feature early in the Games schedule and could set the tone for the competition.
"I want swimming to give us a great kick-start because momentum is a very strong thing in multi-sport events or any sporting competition," he said.
Moneghetti, himself a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, spent Monday inspecting competition venues and the Athletes' Village, giving them the tick of approval.
Australia's cycling, boxing and wrestling teams also touched down in Glasgow, becoming the nation's first athletes to arrive.
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