2010 has been highlighted by some fantastic sporting moments. Let’s have a look at the ten biggest moments from the year.
Webber’s F1 season
Mark Webber’s season seemed destined to lead to his first world championship win… right up until the closing stages when it fell to pieces. Webber’s relationship with Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel made for an interesting sub-plot.
Socceroos World Cup
It started terribly and never recovered. The Socceroos had a tough group, but the flogging at the hands of Germany was unexpected. An honourable lost would have been acceptable.
Hussey’s comeback
Michael Hussey met the St Peter of Test cricket and had a foot inside the golden gates until he turned it all around with a superb Ashes series. He has emerged again as the reliable middle order batsman we all knew he was.
Hird returns
James Hird denied he would coach time and time again, and now he is back at Windy Hill to lead the Bombers’ revival. Time will judge the decision, but already it appears the player group’s respect for the coaching staff has improved under one of the club’s greatest players.
Geelong’s drain
Geelong’s failure to make the grand final was the catalyst for a major change at Skilled Stadium. President Frank Costa was already leaving and then Gary Ablett left for “golder” pastures. Mark Thompson then announced he was leaving – and then ended up with Hird at Windy Hill. As Geelong appeared to be heading for turmoil, Chris Scott joined brother Brad as an AFL coach.
Saints scandals
St Kilda Saints made the grand final, but it has been the off-field scandals that has taken the gloss off their superb 2010. First was Andrew Lovett and his sacking before he even played a match for his new club. An initial scandal involving a 17-year-old girl appeared to have been handled and sorted, but in recent days it has re-emerged. It threatens to tear St Kilda apart with trust among the group sure to be tested in the coming days and weeks in the lead up to 2011.
World Cup bid
Australia had a crack at hosting one of two tournaments, pulled out of one and were then overlooked for the 2022 event. The cost was $43 million, with nothing to show for that money and effort. The effect on the game in this country will be interesting to watch over the next three to five years.
Pakistan fixing
A couple of big no-balls turned into the cricket scandal of the year. Now Pakistan can’t play home Test matches and three of their best players are out while the authorities investigate the scandal. Saddest moment of the year is young fast bowler Mohammad Amir’s involvement. The kid has so much potential and was a shining light on their Australian tour.
Melbourne Storm
One of the most star studded and dominant sides in recent times, and now that it’s all tainted. The Storm received a harsh penalty, but the crime justified the penalty. Can the Storm recover in 2011 or will the Melbourne franchise struggle with the arrival of Union-rival the Rebels?
Grand Final replay
AFL deciders in recent years have been tight affairs, and this was the tightest of them all and raised questions over the drawn grand final rule. Collingwood recovered the better after the Saints threw everything at them in the first installment, and then wasted their chances in the replay. Collingwood were the side of the season, but can they back it up in 2011?
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