When trying to find the best performed Australian sportsperson on a world stage in 2018, I found it impossible to go past a 22-year-old basketballer who grew up in Melbourne.
Ben Simmons is already being compared with a young LeBron James, although posting big numbers in the NBA is the obvious area for growth.
Soccer striker Samantha Kerr might already be in that stratosphere and was unlucky in the eyes of some to miss out on the inaugural women’s Ballon d’Or.
1. Ben Simmons (basketball)
Clearly Australia’s best player and maybe our best ever … already. And he’s only 22. You wonder just where his legend may end.
2. Samantha Kerr (soccer)
Won the National Women’s Soccer League Golden Boot (16 goals from 19 games for the Chicago Red Stars) and then finished fifth in the inaugural women’s Ballon d’Or.
3. Nathan Lyon (cricket)
At 31, Lyon is not just Australia’s best cricketer but also the leading spinner in the game, with 49 wickets in 2018. His efforts to improve all facets of his play should inspire any junior.
4. Stephanie Gilmore (surfing)
Joined her surfing idol in Llayne Beachley to become one of those rare world sportspersons to win seven world championships in their chosen sport.
5 . James Tedesco (rugby league)
NRL premiership with the Sydney Roosters, NSW’s player of the series in State-of-Origin, debut for the Kangaroos and just pipped for World Player of the Year.
6. Liz Cambage (basketball)
Was the driving force in Australia’s silver medal in the 2018 World Championships and was runner-up to Breanna Stewart for the WNBA MVP.
7. Brandon Starc (high jump)
At 188cm, Starc is short for a leaper but it didn’t stop him from recording a personal best of 2.36m. He also won Commonwealth Games gold and was victorious in the IAAF Diamond League final.
8. Ellyse Perry (cricket)
She has some hot competition from Alyssa Healy, but Perry is the best all-round cricketer in the game.
9. Will Power (NASCAR)
The 2014 IndyCar champion achieved his crowning glory in May when he finally won the Indianapolis 500.
10. Ash Barty (tennis)
It was a breakout year for the former cricketer. She won two singles titles to finish the year ranked 15 in the world, plus won the US Open doubles title.
11. Aaron Mooy (soccer)
Some may choose goalkeeper Mat Ryan, others midfielder Tom Rogic, but for mine Mooy is our best current round ball exponent.
12. Dylan Alcott (tennis)
In a world of ever-increasing gloom stands this smiling beacon of high achievement despite being dealt a very cruel hand at birth when rendered a paraplegic.
13. Mitch Larkin (swimming)
OK, it was only the Commonwealth Games but Larkin collected five gold medals including four in individual events (50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, plus 200m medley).
14. Daniel Ricciardo (Formula One)
Was driving a car that was largely a spud yet still managed to win in China and Monaco and record 11 top-five finishes.
15. Rohan Dennis (cycling)
The 28-year-old notched a career highlight when he thrashed defending champion Tom Dumoulin of the Netherlands to claim gold in the individual time-trial at the World Championships.
16. Minjee Lee (golf)
The 22-year-old won the LPGA Volvik Championship before finishing second on the tour money list ($1,551,032) and second in scoring average (69.747).
17. Pat Cummins (cricket)
Took 44 wickets with the ball in 2018 at an average of under 20, including 6-27 during India’s second innings of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. All that while steadily building his batting reputation. And then there’s the spirit in which he plays the game.
18. Joe Ingles (basketball)
While overshadowed from an Australian viewpoint by Ben Simmons, the 31-year-old three-point specialist is an NBA star in his own right with Utah Jazz.
19. Alyssa Healy (cricket)
Player of the tournament and leading run-scorer in Australia’s successful ICC T20 World Cup victory with 225 runs from five innings. And then there’s her exquisite glovework.
20. Hugh Bowman (horse racing)
Yes, it helps that he rides Winx, which he steered to a record fourth Cox Plate win at Moonee Valley in October. But you still have to handle the pressure, as Bowman does so well.
ANDO’S 2017 LIST
1. Cameron Smith (rugby league)
2. Steve Smith (cricket)
3. Dustin Martin (AFL)
4. Ben Simmons (basketball)
5. Sam Kerr (soccer)
6. Jeff Horn (boxing)
7. Tyler Wright (surfing)
8. Sally Pearson (athletics)
9. Britt Cox (mogul skiing)
10. Jessica Fox (canoe)
11. Emily Seebohm (swimming)
12. Daniel Ricciardo (Formula One)
13. Scotty James (snowboard)
14. Jamie Whincup (Supercars)
15. Michael Matthews (cycling)
16. Nathan Lyon (cricket)
17. Jason Doyle (speedway)
18. Israel Folau (rugby union)
19. Ellyse Perry (cricket)
20. Patrick Dangerfield (AFL)
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