Former prime minister John Howard doesn't expect an "overwhelming" result towards either major party at Saturday's election, but he thinks the Liberal Party can still clinch it.
"I think we can win, I'm not saying we will, I think we're still behind," he told Sky News on Tuesday.
"I don't think you're going to have an overwhelming result, I think it's going to be close ... it could go either way."
As the campaign ramps up ahead of polling day, the former prime minister has warned against a vote for independents.
"By voting for an independent you're voting for the Labor Party," he said.
Mr Howard spent the day on the campaign trail in Perth with Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt.
Mr Wyatt, who holds the marginal seat of Hasluck, was buoyed by Mr Howard's presence at a Midland shopping centre as they schmoozed with locals eager for a photo with the ex-PM.
Mr Howard told voters he "thoroughly recommended" Mr Wyatt, describing him as a good man.
He later told reporters Mr Wyatt was the "epitome of dignity and grace in public life".
Mr Wyatt remains hopeful of being returned to the seat despite his 2.1 per cent margin.
"If you've been genuine, if you've shown integrity and if you've worked hard for the people who elected you then they'll return you," he said.
Mr Howard threw his weight behind Tony Abbott on Monday, who is facing a tough challenge for the seat of Warringah from Olympian Zali Steggall.
"We started behind, everybody knows that. But gee, we've made up ground," Mr Howard said of the Liberal Party's election campaign.
"I think Scott Morrison has done a really terrific job. I admire him immensely for the work that he's done."
Mr Howard was notably absent from the Liberal campaign launch on Sunday, saying he chose to spend time with his family on Mother's Day instead.
Asked whether Clive Palmer was fit for parliament, Mr Howard said that was a matter for voters.
"On the measure of extremities, the most extreme political movement on offer in this election is the Greens," he said.
"The Greens are far more extreme than Clive Palmer or One Nation."
