The Year That Was, Top 5 Sporting Moments
Matildas' World Cup run
#1
This was something else.
The Matildas took the Australian public on the most exhilarating ride at this year’s Women’s World Cup, with players such as Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Mackenzie Arnold joining superstar striker, Sam Kerr, as household names.
In front of the highest-ever crowd at any Women’s World Cup – Aussies do it again – the Matildas kick-started their campaign with a tight win over Ireland (1-0) before a demoralising loss against Nigeria (2-3).
However, despite Kerr’s ongoing calf injury, the Aussies hit back with incredible victories over Canada (4-0) and Denmark (2-0) before saluting in the world’s greatest penalty shootout against France in the quarter-finals. I mean, take a bow, Mackenzie Arnold and Cortnee Vine.
We all remember where we were when Makybe Diva won her third-straight Melbourne Cup and when Peter Siddle took a hat-trick on his birthday. But now it’s a matter of ‘where were you during that penalty shootout?’
Australia's sixth ODI World Cup
#2
Was it the winning streak? Or the fact Australia defeated the hometown favourites? Or was it Maxy’s world record double century?
Either way, you look at it, Australia’s sixth ODI World Cup victory was arguably the greatest in the competition’s 48-year history.
After retaining the Ashes and winning the World Test Championship earlier in the year, the Aussies could be forgiven for starting the tournament slowly as they slumped to the bottom of the table after losing their first two games to India and South Africa.
What happened thereafter was short-form cricket at its finest, with Pat Cummins’ men going on a nine-game winning streak and defeating the Indians by six wickets (and 42 balls) in the Final.
David Warner was at his best at the top of the order, Adam Zampa was taking wickets for fun, and nobody will soon forget the day Glenn Maxwell punched out 201* (128) to save our skins against Afghanistan.
Nathan Cleary's NRL Grand Final
#3
If we’re talking about individual sporting moments, there’s arguably nothing that compares to Nathan Cleary’s performance in the NRL Grand Final. And not just this year, but perhaps in recent memory. It went beyond merely rising to the occasion; it was the highest peak of skill and bordered twilight zone areas.
While the Panthers entered the game against Brisbane Broncos as market favourites and in search of a third-straight premiership, all hope seemed gone when they trailed 24-8 early in the second half on the back of an Ezra Mam treble.
However, the Panthers’ captain stood tall in the most dominant fashion by leading his side to three consecutive tries – the last of which he scored at the 76-minute mark – and successfully converted all three chances. It had to be seen to be believed. And some still can’t believe it.
Flagpies
#4
OK, here it is. For all non-Collingwood supporters, look away now. For those who follow the black and white stripes, you’re welcome.
It’s impossible to ignore the season that Craig McRae’s men had in 2023, with an 18-5 record through the home and away season, followed by three finals victories by a total of 12 points. They just found a way to get it done.
The AFL Grand Final against Brisbane was clearly the highlight for many as the Pies held on to a slim lead at every break and sealed the win with a Steele Sidebottom bomb in the 23rd minute of the last quarter.
Bobby Hill’s four goals, Nick Daicos’ 29 disposals and Jordan De Goey’s pure dominance rubberstamped an incredible season from the good ol’ Collingwood.
Retaining the Ashes
#5
An out-and-out victory would have catapulted this into (at least) second spot on this list, but retaining the Ashes in England certainly still deserves its place.
While the Aussies played more like England and the Poms played more like Australia, it was those donning the baggy green who eventually saluted 2-2 in one of the most controversial Ashes Series in history.
Bazball, Nathan Lyon’s injury, and most importantly, that Johnny Bairstow stumping, were discussed in great depth and with extreme passion across the world.
But it was ultimately Australia’s ability to win the first and second Tests at Edgbaston (2 wickets) and Lord’s (43 runs) that allowed them to retain the Ashes on English soil and keep the urn out of their rivals’ hands for the fourth-straight series.
It was definitely more than just a moral victory.
