But that could well change in the next couple of weeks with the javelin star shaping as Australia's best medal prospect as the sport moves into the post-Pearson era at the world championships in Doha beginning on Friday (early Saturday AEST).

The 60-strong Australian squad will be the fifth biggest in the Qatari capital, but there are few clear-cut medal contenders following the retirement of hurdles queen Pearson and the absence through injury of Dani Stevens, the discus silver medallist at the 2017 world titles.

Brandon Starc will fancy his chances in a wide-open men's high jump field, Dane Bird-Smith heads up a strong walking contingent, Brooke Stratton is a world- class long jumper and Catriona Bisset has shown staggering improvement in the 800m this year. But it is South African-born Barber who is best-placed to challenge for gold, a result which would have huge ramifications for her and the sport in general just 10 months out from the Tokyo Olympics.

The 28-year-old, who is coached by her husband Mike Barber and lives in Canberra, enters the world titles in second spot on the 2019 rankings behind only China's Lyu Huihui.

She has smashed her personal best on several occasions this year, most recently in Lucerne in July with a massive throw of 67.70m which moved her to 12th spot on the all-time list.

"My goal right from the start of the year has been to stand on the podium in Doha and that hasn't changed," Barber said. "If I can re-produce the best throws I've had this season that would make me exceptionally happy.

"I've always had the belief I could get to the elite level, although it's probably taken a couple of years to really assert myself and be a presence in the biggest competitions such as the Diamond League.

"Without that self-belief you're just not going to get there."

Barber has benefited from strong domestic competition provided by the now-retired Kim Mickle, the 2013 world championships silver medallist, and Kathryn Mitchell, who won gold at last year's Commonwealth Games.

"It definitely helps having those ladies before me being role models and showing that women's javelin is an event that Australia can be successful in," she said. "You want to follow in their footsteps in a sense.

"It just shows that we're very much capable of achieving great things. So why not put myself out there and say that I want to be on the podium and win medals as much as anyone else."

Barber is one of three Canberra athletes competing in Doha, with Melissa Breen and Lauren Boden joining the team. Breen has been picked in the 4x100 metres relay team despite being hampered by injuries over the past 12 months. Boden will run in the 400 metres hurdles and is part of the 4x400 metres relay team.

But Olympic hopeful Keely Small has put her international ambitions on hold to focus on finishing school in the capital before ramping up her Tokyo selection campaign.