Award winners provide fantastic moments to remember

AS 2017 comes to an end, it's time to hand out my sporting awards to some of this year's heroes.

Western Pride coach Graham Harvey and captain Jesse Rigby collect the NPL Queensland grand final trophy. Picture: Chris Simpson

AS 2017 comes to an end, it's time to hand out my sporting awards to some of this year's heroes.

Sportsman of the year nominees: Cameron Smith, Jeff Horn, Dustin Martin, Tim Cahill, Marc Leishmann, Ben Simmons, Hugh Bowman, Rob Whittaker.

Winner: Jeff Horn - He went into the fight against Manny Pacquiao as a huge underdog and by fight's end had dominated one of the greatest boxers of all time. A true Aussie world champ.

Sportswoman of the year nominees: Ali Brigginshaw, Sam Kerr, Ash Barty, Tyler Wright, Ellyse Perry.

Winner: Sam Kerr - she led Australia to victory over several top nations and was named in the World Team of the Year.

Team of the year nominees: Qld Maroons, Melbourne Storm, Richmond Tigers, Sydney FC, Goodna RLFC, Western Pride.

Winner: Richmond - The Tigers hadn't won the flag for 37 years and with the best player in the game in Dustin Martin firing on all cylinders, the long-suffering Tiger Army finally had something to cheer about.

Sporting event of the year nominees:NRL grand final, AFL grand final, Rugby League World Cup.

Winner: Rugby League World Cup - The tourna- ment brought excitement to Australia as well as PNG and New Zealand. A few tier 2 nations (Tonga/Lebanon) with the help from some NRL stars stamped their authority on the World Cup. They showed they will be a force in the future. The Kangaroos and Jillaroos won their respective finals.

Ipswich highlights

1. Western Pride weren't supposed to be challenging for the title this year but someone forgot to tell them that. They went on an undefeated nine-game run culminating in a 2-1 victory over Moreton Bay, lifting the first senior title for the club.

2. Goodna RLFC were the defending premiers and showed why with another sensational season to win back-to-back titles. RLI player of the grand final and experienced captain Ramon Filipine led from the front.

3. Ali Brigginshaw has seen the worst of rugby league when she suffered a horrific injury that nearly ended her career. Rather than look for pity, the talented sportswoman did the hard yards and it has paid off several times over. Ali is now considered one of the best players in the world.

4. Ash Barty has proved the old saying that rewards come to those who work hard. She's risen to No. 17 in the world. Watch for greater results in 2018.

Final thoughts

Headlines I would to see in 2018:

1. Parramatta Eels win NRL title.

2. Richmond Tigers go back-to-back.

3. Ipswich Jets win the Intrust grand final.

4. Winx smashes rivals overseas.

Goodbye to: Betty Cuthbert, Dean Mercer, Lou Richards, Les Murray, Bob Holland, Tony Madigan, Nicky Hayden, Jake La- Motta, Jana Novotna, Steven Wooldridge, Drew Morphett.

Merry Christmas and a safe new year to all readers.

I have enjoyed writing these columns and can't wait to bring you more articles in 2018.

Originally published as Award winners provide fantastic moments to remember