By Bryn Palmer, Sydney

Record cap holder Karen Brown believes Britain's women hockey team are ready to claim a medal if they can add some consistency to their collective talents.

A veteran of the past three Olympics, Brown was a vital member of the side that claimed bronze in Barcelona eight years ago, and narrowly missed out with fourth place finishes in Seoul and Atlanta.

Having retired from the international scene last year with a colossal 335 caps for England and Great Britain, she is optimistic that many of her former team-mates will fulfil their potential over the next fortnight.

"They have had quite a good build-up, and talking to the players, they seem quite happy with the way things have gone," she said.

"It is a good mix, they are gelling very well and they are confident.

"If they play to their peak, then they have the potential to beat any side here, but they need to achieve some consistency. They have beaten everyone recently, but they have also lost to everyone as well.

"But if they perform well at the beginning and get on a roll, they could do really well."

Captain Jane Sixsmith and her side open their campaign against favourites Australia on Sunday, who looked certain to take the gold medal year ago, but have shown signs of vulnerability of late.

Britain have won only four out of 25 contests between the two countries in recent times, but significantly perhaps, one of those victories came in their last meeting, a 3-2 win in May.

Certainly Sixsmith, a reliable source of goals in the forward line, is happy to be taking on the host country in the first of four pool matches.

"We are relishing the fact that we have got Australia first," she said.

"It is one of the best times to play them."

A positive result against the host country would undoubtedly fuel hopes of matching their achievement in Barcelona, but Brown warns that with Argentina, Korea and Spain making up Pool A, Britain face a stiff task just to finish in the top two.

"If Britain get out of the pool, I think they will win a medal," she added, "and they will be pretty confident of getting results against any side.

But the hardest thing will be getting out of the pool."