By now, we’re all in all probability again at work, the times of reminiscing over 2022 whereas choosing at leftover turkey, ham and roast potatoes on vacation now however a reminiscence.
Fortunately, with a brand new 12 months brings new sport, new narratives, questions, subsequent large issues, returning superstars, speaking factors, rumours and the like.
Christmas could also be over, however that doesn’t imply it’s time put away the want lists – forward of a bumper 2023 for Australian sport, that includes The Ashes, a couple of World Cups and the same old box-office home sporting leagues, comes a set of scenes we want to see.
The Australian males’s check facet taking the leap
The collection wins over West Indies and South Africa have been disappointing on account of each vacationers’ lack of competitiveness.
As such, it’s arduous to inform whether or not Australia are a very good crew rollicking proficient opposition, or whether or not they’re merely a superb crew having their method with sub-standard opponents.
Can Usman Khwaja conquer the sub-continent? Does David Warner nonetheless have it? Is Travis Head a top-tier batter now? Is Cam Green the actual deal? Is this bowling assault an all-time squadron?
By the center of the 12 months, we should always know the reply, with two abroad check collection in opposition to India and a Baz Ball-inspired England on the agenda.
We are about to seek out out whether or not this Australian outfit are really a generational facet or simply downhill skiers.
An exquisite Women’s World Cup
Australia’s profitable observe report of internet hosting large sporting occasions ought to have one other feather within the cap by the point the Women’s World Cup wraps up in mid-August.
The 2023 World Cup is the most important sporting occasion on Australian shores since Sydney 2000 – however in contrast to the Olympics, it’ll take over the nation, not only one metropolis.
The color and vitality followers delivered to the desk 4 years in the past in France helped make the 2019 model the most-watched ladies’s match in historical past in accordance with FIFA, and it’s more likely to be replicated Down Under.
The finest case situation not solely entails locals embracing the match like they’ve achieved so with different main sporting occasions, however the Matildas capitalising on the house floor benefit and realising their potential as the perfect crew on this planet.
Tony Gustavsson nonetheless has his doubters, however with the likes of Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Ellie Carpenter all world class gamers and a robust supporting solid, the Matildas won’t ever have a possibility nearly as good to achieve the holy grail – so will they seize it, or simply let it slip?
Jackson justifying the worth tag
Some describe Luke Jackson as a ‘unicorn’: a uncommon expertise with a novel skillset which retains opposition coaches up into the wee hours.
In my eyes, he’s not fairly there but – he must dominate for a full season, not simply patches – however his potential is as sky-high as a few of his leaps.
Fremantle received the previous quantity three decide for arguably underneath what he was value in commerce phrases, however the actual value shall be borne within the cash they pay him for the remainder of the last decade.
Bringing in a younger ruck on large cash was dicey, particularly with Sean Darcy firmly entrenched as one of many higher large males within the AFL.
To stay up the hype – and wage – Jackson should present his skillset meshes properly sufficient with Darcy’s for the pair to type the league’s most formidable one-two punch.
Green shoots at West Coast
Any indicators of enchancment from West Coast could be a welcome sight after annus horribilis in 2022.
Following on from the Murphy’s legislation of season needs to be simple as the one method is up, however regardless of some real hope amongst a piece of supporters final 12 months was a flash within the pan, the Eagles are properly and really in a rebuild – each the lads and the ladies.
It is time for a brand new technology to take over, or at the very least show they are often constructed round for the subsequent decade.
On the ladies’s facet of issues, after simply six wins in 4 seasons, Ella Roberts, Bella Lewis, Charlotte Thomas have to construct on early promising indicators – in any other case, this system will come underneath even additional scrutiny.
Meanwhile, there shall be stress on current draftees Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett, Campbell Chesser, Jai Culley and Rhett Bazzo to spearhead the Eagles’ males’s subsequent finals run – each time which may be.
Travers seizing the day
The Wildcats have been up and down this season, struggling for a shred of consistency regardless of their undoubted high quality.
Luke Travers has been good, however he must be nice – not only for his crew’s sake, however his personal.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ high brass have been scouting and learning Travers’ each transfer since they drafted
The skillset, basketball IQ and maturity is plain, and Travers’ has demonstrated a capability to dominate stretches of video games.
But his future as an NBA participant may rely upon taking the subsequent step and asserting himself for even longer durations, and if he is ready to enhance his taking pictures, it could present the Wildcats with a reliable second choice to facilitate the offence subsequent to Bryce Cotton.
