Marc Leishman has surprised plenty of people by hanging around the Masters lead for three rounds but now the Aussie underdog says he has nothing to lose in his quest for the green jacket.

Looking like an Augusta National old-stager with rounds of 66-73-72 to be just two off the lead held by Brandt Snedeker and Angel Cabrera, Leishman is a legitimate threat to take the title and become an instant national hero.

After admitting to plenty of nerves in the opening round, the Victorian now feels completely relaxed and is ready to show up the bigger names around him.

“I haven’t felt like there was that much pressure to be honest,” the 28-year-old from Warrnambool said.

“Nobody is expecting me to win, so I’ve got nothing to lose. I’m really excited about (the final round).

“Maybe (there will be some nerves). But I feel really good about everything. I don’t think I’ve got anything to be nervous about, to be honest.

“Obviously 18 holes is a lot of golf left, but I’m hitting the ball well and I think you’re more nervous if you’re not striking it or putting well, so I think I’ll be fine.

“Hopefully I can roll some putts in and walk away with the green jacket.”

While Adam Scott, one shot from the lead, and Jason Day, tied with Leishman and two back, are expected to be the likely contenders to be the first Australian to win, don’t count out the one-time US tour winner.

He will be paired with Scott in the final round, bringing some familiarity to proceedings.

“It’ll be good. I’m really looking forward to it,” he said of his all-Aussie pairing.

“Hopefully we can feed off each other and make a lot of birdies and fight it out towards the end.

“It’s our (Australia’s) best chance yet. There’s three of us near the lead. I need a low one tomorrow, and who knows. Maybe we’ll take that Aussie curse off.”