But after also falling victim to Hewitt's charge to the round of 16 at last year's Open, big-serving Raonic said the injury-free former world No1 was undoubtedly a dangerous floater to be avoided.
"He's one of the very few players who can go very long periods without playing and be just as competitive as ever," Raonic said yesterday.
"I think he's moving better - you can see he's healthier. The one thing you see of him inside Melbourne Park is another level of intensity and it brings out something extra in him.
"Even though I don't think he was physically as good last year, he was fighting a lot more pain throughout matches last year.
"He's a danger ... he's definitely more prepared this year than he was last year."
Tomic and Hewitt both made the last 16 of the Open last year unseeded and, with some luck in the draw, a repeat could be on the cards.
Samantha Stosur is Australia's only Open seed at No9 in the women's event. But after first-round losses in Brisbane and Sydney, even Stosur was hoping for some protection in the 128-player draw.
"It's top 30 almost (in Brisbane and Sydney) and that's it."
The draw takes place today from noon (NZT).
- AAP