As I sat down to write this piece, I quickly realized that it'd be near-on impossible not to be biased. When you're a fan of the South Dragons, Melbourne Victory and Geelong – all genuine contenders in '09 – it's hard to side against your own mob.
But nevertheless, I've had to accept reality and that has meant that I did not end up going with all three of my teams in this instance. Well, almost. Once you get to the A-League you'll know what I mean.
Anyways, here is my light-hearted assessment of what silverware will be going where in 2009...
Australian Open (mens): Rafael Nadal
Nadal has won both the French and Wimbledon titles and is on track to become the Australian champ. As for his opponent, it's hard to proclaim before we see the seeding, but my tip for surprise finalists (there's one every year) is Gael Monfils. The unheralded Frenchman is ready to explode.
Betfair is paying $130 for him to win it, you know, if you're into that sort of thing...
Australian Open (womens): Serena Williams
I'm saying this less-confidently than the men's winner. Actually, I'm only really putting my money on Serena because she's in my SuperTennis team.
A-League premiership: Adelaide United
They can have it. Even if some fans like the romance of the regular season, all the clubs really strive for is winning the championship.
Super Bowl: Tennessee Titans
Do I have any idea what I'm talking about when I say this? Not really. Heck, I'm a Detroit Lions fan – the team mocked the world over for finishing 0-16. But seriously, the Titans started the season well and currently sit atop ESPN's power rankings, so they're a good enough choice for me.
A-League championship: (Insert team here) beating Adelaide United
I won't be able to confidently say Victory until the next two matches are over with (they are against the only two teams above us, Queensland and Adelaide). But I've already decided the loser of the grand final, as United have clearly overtaken Port as Adelaide's chokers.
They can win a semi final, a preliminary final, even a Club World Cup play-in game, but a grand final? History says it, that's just beyond them.
NBL championship: South Dragons
After another thirty-something-point thrashing on Boxing Day, Brian Goorjian's Dragons are showing no signs of slowing down. Only problem is that elephant in the room, the Melbourne Tigers.
If those two teams meet in the GF, I can guarantee I'll do this.
Indian Premier League: Kolkata Knight Riders
Why, yes. Yes I did just pick the team with the coolest name.
The Ashes: see below
If Ricky Ponting is captain, it will be England. If he isn't it, will be Australia. Yes, it is as simple as that. Maybe it's time we gave this guy a crack at the captaincy.
NHL Stanley Cup: Detroit Red Wings
Again, I must plead bias. The Sharks are, admittedly, capable of stopping them. But I don't see it happening. As for their opponents, the Washington Capitals is my tip. Why? Alex Ovechkin, that's why.
NBA championship: LA Lakers
I'm no fan of big market teams. But it appears that the Lakers and Celtics are the two standouts yet again. So it pains me to say the Lakers will be able to reverse last year's result.
AFL premiership: Geelong
Ultimately, Geelong's half-arsed attempts at building a "dynasty" will be eclipsed by the much-younger Hawks. But until then, redemption is on the minds of Cats players. 2009 will be their year.
Richmond and Carlton will make the eight. Guaranteed.
NRL premiership: Who cares?
I'm hearing rumours Benji Marshall is going to defect to union. There goes my last excuse to watch the NRL. Well, okay, I still have a soft spot for Souths. But they aren't exactly going gangbusters on the field now, are they?
FIFA Club World Cup: Newcastle Jets
That was a joke, by the way. The Jets are screwed. They're not gonna get past the group stage of the Champions League the way their list is bleeding players right now. I just really needed a good excuse to get that off my chest.
That's pretty much the only reason I wrote any of this, actually.
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