NO Russia in Rio should guarantee Australia fulfils its aim of a top-five position on the medal table. 
Last week Australia's Olympic chef de mission Kitty Chiller declared that the team could win 16 gold medals.
They would be part of a total haul of 45 medals, which would propel Australia into the top five in the standings.
Cycling is likely to be the main beneficiary for Australia, in particular the women's team sprint, should there be a total ban.
The Russian athletics team has -already been excluded, which enhances the medal prospects of walkers Jared Tallent (50km) and Dane Bird-Smith (20km).
High jumper Eleanor Patterson and long jumper Brooke Stratton, who are regarded as outside medal hopes, should also benefit because the depth at the top end in their events will take a hit.
It will also be a boost for Australia's men's basketball team because Russia won bronze in London.
Russia finished fourth on the medal table in London with 23 gold medals.The USA and China have a stranglehold on the top two spots, while Britain is confident it can consolidate its rapid rise to third four years ago.