Snubbed Hackett to bounce back

A disappointed Grant Hackett has been tipped to use his world swimming championships relay snub as a springboard to Rio Olympic success.

Hackett's comeback has been deemed a success despite failing to make the final cut in his only event at the world titles in Russia.

Dual Olympic champion Hackett, 35, was replaced by David McKeon in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay final team which claimed a gutsy bronze at Kazan.

In his first world titles since 2007, Hackett led off for the team in the heats to help Australia qualify fastest for the final.

Key squad member Thomas Fraser-Holmes admitted Hackett was hurt after being overlooked for the final but would bounce back better than ever for a Rio Olympic tilt.

"I think he is a little bit disappointed," he said.

"I reckon he would have gone faster in the final (if given the chance).

"But Grant is the type of guy who will bottle that up and come out next year and probably swim really well."

Hackett confirmed he was still focused on a Rio Olympic campaign.

"Either way nothing changes for me," Hackett said.

"I am enjoying the experience. I loved racing...and I want to do some more of it."

Hackett had been seen as the man to bring the 4x200m relay team back to their glory days.

He helped Australia win three straight world titles from 1998 before retiring after the 2008 Olympics.

Hackett may have been overlooked for the final but Fraser-Holmes said the veteran still played a huge role.

"He was good on the pool deck and in the marshalling area offering me some support," said Fraser-Holmes, who anchored Australia to clinch a podium berth.

"Plus Grant has been my hero since I was a kid.

"So to be at a world championships with my hero is something I never thought would happen."

Hackett received a bronze medal as a squad member.

And teammate Cameron McEvoy believed that may change to a shinier colour by the Rio Olympics.

The last time Australia were on the world titles 4x200m podium was in 2009 and they failed to even qualify for the 2013 final.

But McEvoy said they were placed perfectly for a Rio gold medal tilt after the squad produced bronze in Kazan after bonding under Hackett.

"I think we are in the best place you want to be in a year out from the Olympics," he said.

"We are new to this type of camaraderie."

Fraser-Holmes - who collected his first world titles medal along with remaining team members Daniel Smith and McKeon - agreed.

"The team is back to where it needs to be," he said.

"We have dragged a little bit of respect back now.

"We are definitely in striking distance.

"Come that day in Rio it's going to be anyone's race again."