New Year’s Q&A: Football stars and youngsters answer some New Year’s inspired questions

Move over Kane Cornes because a Magpies star is keen on entering your radio domain. Check out the full list of New Years resolutions from your favourite AFL stars.

What does Lachie Neale want for Christmas? Picture: Getty Images

The end of the year is always a time for both reflection on what has come and pondering what is to come in the future. We asked some of your favourite AFL players what they’re looking forward to in 2023 and some of their New Year’s resolutions.

Mason Cox (Collingwood)

1 New Year’s resolution:

Buy a house. Since getting citizenship I want to commit to being in Australia long term.

2 Worst New Year’s resolution you’ve made?

Cutting out sugar. I lasted about one day before I broke and went to Messina. Some things are reasonable and then there are others that are just irrational.

3 One hobby you want to take up next year?

Radio and Media. Since starting the Podcast “The Mason Cox Show” I have loved the experience and want to devote more spare time to that industry.

4 Who will take world sport by storm this year and why?

AFL. It is about time the rest of the world finds out about the best sport going round and I might have a bit up my sleeve for that so watch this space.

5 One headline we’ll read this year:

Collingwood and Carlton face off in the finals.

Could we see these two great rivals go at it in the postseason in 2023? (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Jake Bowey (Melbourne)

1 New Year’s resolution:

Move out of home.

2 Worst New Year’s resolution you’ve made?

10K run a day for a month.

3 One hobby you want to take up next year?

Ten Pin Bowling.

4 Who will take world sport by storm this year?

Min Woo Lee.

Young Demon Jake Bowey hopes to take his running to another level in 2023. Photo by Michael Klein

Chad Wingard (Hawthorn)

1 New Year’s resolution:

I’m pretty keen to volunteer for some more charities in 2023.

2 Worst New Year’s resolution you’ve made?

I tried to do a year without a milkshake a few years back. I think I had failed by February.

3 One hobby you want to take up next year?

A few of the boys are into their yoga. I wouldn’t mind getting in on that this year.

4 Who will take world sport by storm this year?

I think my man Ja Morant at the Memphis Grizzlies will win the NBA MVP.

5 One headline we’ll read this year:

Odell Beckham leads the Dallas Cowboys to Super Bowl win.

Hawks star Chad Wingard is a big milkshake lover. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Logan McDonald (Sydney)

1 New Year’s resolution:

Give up on Nick Blakey.

2 Worst New Year’s resolution you’ve made?

Never making one.

3 One hobby you want to take up next year?

Golf.

4 Who will take world sport by storm this year?

Kylian Mbappe.

5 One headline we’ll read this year:

Hopefully it’s “Swans go one better.”

McDonald was dropped for the Swans’ Grand Final loss to the Cats and is hoping his team can go one better in 2023. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Lachie Ash (GWS)

1 New Year’s resolution:

General tidiness – I’m pretty organised and disciplined and those sorts of things, but my housemates would probably argue I could be a little tidier at home.

2 Worst New Year’s resolution you’ve made?

I did try to give up alcohol for the whole year when I was 18, but I didn’t last very long unfortunately.

3 One hobby you want to take up next year?

Golf – I do play already with a few of the boys, but I want to take it up more seriously.

4 Who will take world sport by storm this year and why?

Tom Green. He’s a superstar already but he’s going to have an even bigger year next year.

5 One headline we’ll read this year:

‘Zero to Hero’s’ early in the season because the Giants are going to come into 2023 flying.

We can expect big things from Giants midfielder Tom Green in 2023 according to teammate Lachie Ash. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

Brandon Ellis (Gold Coast)

1 New Year’s resolution:

Teach Jeremy Sharp how to brush his teeth.

2 Worst New Year’s resolution you’ve made?

Give up red wine for a year – I love it too much!

3 One hobby you want to take up next year?

Take Rowelly’s spot at stoppages.

4 Who will take world sport by storm this year?

Wil Powell – He’s bulked up to the max!

5 One headline we’ll read this year:

The Gold Coast Suns are premiers!

Could the Suns make history in 2023? (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Charlie Cameron (Brisbane Lions)

1 New Year’s resolution:

Walk my dogs more.

2 Worst New Year’s resolution you’ve made?

Do more calf raises – hate doing them and mine still didn’t get as big as Lachie Neale’s calves.

3 One hobby you want to take up next year?

Reading a book.

4 Who will take world sport by storm this year?

Aaron Wilkins in golf.

5 One headline we’ll read this year:

Dolphins record more wins than the Broncos.

Brisbane Lions star Charlie Cameron is expecting big things from the NRL’s newest franchise. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Ben Hobbs (Essendon)

1 New Year’s resolution:

Less time on my phone.

2 Worst New Year’s resolution you’ve made?

World Peace.

3 One hobby you want to take up next year?

Ice Skating.

5 One headline we’ll read this year:

Sam Draper continues to over exaggerate his image.

Bombers fans, how would Ben Hobbs go as an ice skater? (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Mitch Hinge (Adelaide Crows)

1 New Year’s resolution:

A big 2023 campaign.

2 Worst New Year’s resolution you’ve made?

I don’t usually make them.

3 One hobby you want to take up next year?

Fishing.

4 Who will take world sport by storm this year?

Luke Pedlar.

5 One headline we’ll read this year:

Gather Round reminds everyone SA is the best state in Australia!

Gather Round is something Mitch Hinge from the Crows is looking forward to in 2023. Pic: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Ryan Burton (Port Adelaide)

1 New Year’s resolution:

Do more charity work. Been hard with Covid over the last couple of years but keen to get involved more.

2 Worst New Year’s resolution you’ve made?

Wake up early and go for a walk. Lasted a couple of weeks and got sick of it.

3 One hobby you want to take up next year?

Eight ball. Got a little crew at the club who are keen to start playing more.

4 Who will take world sport by storm this year?

Min Woo Lee, a golfer. Starting to play some really good golf and I think he can start winning tournaments on the world stage.

5 One headline we’ll read this year:

Adelaide becomes the number one city in the country after “Gather Round” and the Liv Golf tournament.

Power defender Ryan Burton hopes to get involved with more charity work in 2023. Photo by Michael Klein

Jack Hayes (St Kilda)

1 New Year’s resolution:

Get a girlfriend.

2 Worst new year’s resolution you’ve made?

Giving up alcohol – didn’t last long at a three-day music festival.

3 One hobby you want to take up next year?

Playing guitar.

4 Who will take world sport by storm this year?

Nick Kyrgios – will win the Australian Open and be top 10 in the world.

5 One headline we’ll read this year:

Nick Coffield is back and better than ever.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THESE AFL STARS’ CHRISTMAS PREFERENCES?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

The AFL world rests to celebrate the holiday season.

However, these AFL players aren’t pleased with some of their Christmas prezzies over the years.

But are their gift-giving skills much better? You be the judge.

Nathan Murphy says Jack Ginnivan can sometimes be a bit of a pest, but only in jest. Picture: Getty Images

Nathan Murphy (Collingwood)

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve given?

Definitely a ‘Hasbulla’ pillow to my sister

The worst gift you’ve received?

John Cena pyjamas because I wanted Randy Orton ones instead

What do you want this year?

I’d like a new roommate for a present because Jack Ginnivan is a nuisance (kidding!)

Best Christmas holiday destination?

Torquay beach

What are you reading/streaming this summer?

This summer I’ll be streaming the BBL

Favourite Christmas tune?

Would have to be Last Christmas

Favourite Christmas movie?

A toss up between Elf and Love Actually

What’s for lunch on Christmas Day?

A feast cooked by my aunty with pork, ham and chicken, roast veggies and some serious slices and cakes that can’t be denied

Christmas Day fitness routine?

Consists of a run with a mate that goes for long enough that makes me feel like I deserve some dessert.

Shaq (right) with internet sensation Hasbulla (left), the inspiration for Nathan Murphy’s gift received by his sister. Picture source: Shaq’s Instagram

Kade Chandler (Melbourne)

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve given?

I gave my brother his own wallet which he already owned

The worst gift you’ve received?

My own wallet from my brother which I already owned

What do you want this year?

Jocks and socks

Best Christmas holiday destination?

Back home on the farm

What are you reading/streaming this summer?

Waiting patiently every Monday to watch Yellowstone

Favourite Christmas tune?

Anything country music all the time

Favourite Christmas movie?

Elf

What’s for lunch on Christmas Day?

All sorts of roast meat and seafood and Nanna’s pudding

Christmas Day fitness routine?

Absolutely nothing, although Boxing Day I’ll have to go for a jog to work off Nanna’s pudding

Kyle Chandler wasn’t pleased with receiving his own wallet for Christmas. Picture: Michael Klein

Errol Gulden (Sydney)

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve given?

2023 Swans Membership

The worst gift you’ve received?

Lynx Africa

What do you want this year?

Liverpool to win the Champions League

Best Christmas holiday destination?

Anywhere in Europe

What are you reading/streaming this summer?

Breaking Bad

Favourite Christmas tune?

How to Make Gravy – Paul Kelly

Favourite Christmas movie?

Elf

What’s for lunch on Christmas Day?

BBQ and Seafood

Christmas Day fitness routine?

Early morning run with the whole family

Errol Gulden celebrates a goal in this years finals series. Picture: Getty Images

Mitch Hinge (Adelaide)

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve given?

I got a full set of cricket gear when I was nine years old.

The worst gift you’ve received?

I’ve never received a bad gift!

What do you want this year?

A big 2023 campaign

Best Christmas holiday destination?

Back home to Mundulla on the farm

What are you reading/streaming this summer?

I’m currently reading Let Go by Hugh van Cuylenburg

Favourite Christmas tune?

Mistletoe by Justin Bieber

Favourite Christmas movie?

Home Alone

What’s for lunch on Christmas Day?

Ham, fish and prawns

Christmas Day fitness routine?

Whatever program Darren Burgess has prescribed

Mitch Hinge doesn’t mind a bit of Justin Bieber come Christmas time. Picture: Getty Images

Darcy Byrne-Jones (Port Adelaide)

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve given?

A cabin holiday

The worst gift you have received?

Just for men hair colour

What do you want this year?

Socks

Best Christmas holiday destination?

New York

What are you streaming this summer?

The Boys

Favourite Christmas tune?

Jingle bells

Favourite Christmas movie?

Elf

What’s for lunch on Christmas Day?

Meat, veggies, Christmas pudding, beers

Christmas Day fitness routine?

Do as little as possible

Darcy Byrne-Jones cannot wait to wake up on Christmas morning and unwrap some socks. Picture: Getty Images

Rebecca Webster (Geelong Cats)

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve given?

Skydiving tickets

The worst gift you’ve received?

Nail polish remover

What do you want this year?

Drink bottle

Best Christmas holiday destination?

Home (Benalla)

What are you reading/streaming this summer?

Gossip girl

Favourite Christmas tune?

Santa tell me

Favourite Christmas movie?

The Grinch

What’s for lunch on Christmas Day?

Hot meat, salads and prawns

Christmas Day fitness routine?

Morning walk/run

Rebecca Webster of the Cats in action. Picture: Getty Images

Mitch Lewis (Hawthorn)

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve given?

We did Hope in a Suitcase last year at the club, where we gave a child in foster care a suitcase full of goodies. That was pretty cool.

The worst gift you’ve received?

Mum once gave me a T-shirt that I literally wouldn’t be seen dead in. Love you though, Mum.

What do you want this year?

A new golf swing. I’m not happy with my form at the moment.

Best Christmas holiday destination?

I would love to go to New York for Christmas. That’s on the bucket list.

What are you reading/streaming this summer?

My show at the moment is Derry Girls, inspired my ex-teammate Connor Glass. It’s a ripper!

Favourite Christmas tune?

It has to be All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey. Instant classic.

Favourite Christmas movie?

You can’t go wrong with Elf around Christmas. I reckon it’s on TV about 10 times in that week of Christmas too.

What’s for lunch on Christmas Day?

Ham, ham and more ham. Maybe a bit of eggnog too!

Christmas Day fitness routine?

Backyard cricket with the fam gives me enough of a workout on Christmas Day!

Mitch Lewis celebrates a goal. Picture: Michael Klein

Elf is a popular Christmas movie among the AFL fraternity. Picture: Supplied

Lachie Neale (Brisbane)

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve given?

Puppy

The worst gift you’ve received?

Skydiving. Couldn’t do it!

What do you want this year?

Jocks and socks

Best Christmas holiday destination?

Japan

What are you reading/streaming this summer?

Shoe dog

Favourite Christmas tune?

Christmas is all around

Favourite Christmas movie?

Love Actually

What’s for lunch on Christmas Day?

Ham, prawns, turkey

Christmas Day fitness routine?

Eating and sleeping, enjoy Christmas Day with family and get to work Boxing Day.

Lachie Neale’s favourite Christmas gift is a man’s best friend. Picture: AAP / Darren England

Aaron Cadman (GWS)

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve given?

Maybe a T-shirt for my brother?

The worst gift you’ve received?

Some clothes – my nan got them for me one year, but they were about three sizes too small.

What do you want this year?

A hoverboard.

Best Christmas holiday destination?

Bundalong – all my family and friends are there and we always have a good time.

What are you reading/streaming this summer?

Love Island.

Favourite Christmas tune?

Mariah Carey, All I want for Christmas – can’t go wrong.

Favourite Christmas movie?

The Grinch.

What’s for lunch on Christmas Day?

Ham sandwich.

Christmas Day fitness routine?

A hundred 100’s (one hundred, 100m sprints) in the morning

No. 1 Draft pick Aaron Cadman. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Cadman wants to cruise around on a hoverboard like Michael J Fox in Back to the Future. Picture: Supllied

Ben Ainsworth (Gold Coast)

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve given?

Bought a watch for my girlfriend Liv

The worst gift you’ve received?

Beach Towel when I was a kid – I was pretty flat about it.

What do you want this year?

New putter

Best Christmas holiday destination?

Wilsons Promontory

What are you reading/streaming this summer?

Sir Alex Ferguson’s book

Favourite Christmas tune?

Mariah Carey – All I want for Christmas is you

Favourite Christmas movie?

Elf & The Grinch

What’s for lunch on Christmas Day?

A seafood spread and a fresh ham

Christmas Day fitness routine?

Whatever Alex Rigby sets for us – usually something tough!

Ben Ainsworth is pumped for Christmas. Picture: Getty Images

Mariah Carey’s classic is a lot of the boys favourite Christmas song. Picture: Apple

Tom Highmore (St Kilda)

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve given?

Motorola Razr in 2010

The worst gift you’ve received?

Socks and jocks that didn’t fit

What do you want this year?

Louis Vuitton watch

Best Christmas holiday destination?

Canberra

What are you reading/streaming this summer?

Fred Again

Favourite Christmas tune?

Silent Night at Carols by Candelight

Favourite Christmas movie?

Die Hard

What’s for lunch on Christmas Day?

Christmas ham

Christmas Day fitness routine?

100 x 100m on the minute

Tom Highmore with ball in hand. Picture: Michael Klein

Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Tom Highmore thinks so. Picture: Getty Images

Sam Durham (Essendon)

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve given?

Basketball hoop when I was younger

The worst gift you’ve received?

Lynx Africa pack

What do you want this year?

PS5 – like everyone else that can’t get one

Best Christmas holiday destination?

Would love to do a white Christmas

What are you reading/streaming this summer?

Love Island is getting to crunch time

Favourite Christmas tune?

Has to be one of Michael Buble’s songs

Favourite Christmas movie?

Any of Home Alone

What’s for lunch on Christmas Day?

Christmas ham and some Champers

Christmas Day fitness routine?

Run in the morning so you don’t feel as bad having a few throughout the day

Sam Durham agrees with Errol Gulden, Lynx Africa is a dud gift. Picture: Michael Klein