A resurgent Cameron Smith could finish an otherwise forgettable year with a maiden Australian Open title with the Queenslander taking over from Min Woo Lee as the top local hope.

The former world No.2 is in equal second spot heading into the final round at Royal Melbourne on Sunday after a sparkling five-under 66, highlighted by an eagle on the 14th to sit at 12 under.

Putting on a short game masterclass, Smith had the sole lead with a birdie on the 17th, with his big gallery among the 30,187 fans on the sandbelt course showing their full appreciation.

But he dropped a shot on the 18th while overnight leader Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen reclaimed the front-running with four birdies in his last five holes as he also posted a 66.

With the Dane at 13-under, Smith is in a group two shots back

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