Every year features myriad sporting storylines that surprise, captivate and inspire us, and 2017 was no different.
But what will 2018 bring for Australia's four major winter codes and, where applicable, those teams from across the Tasman? Our writers investigate.
Soccer
What will change from 2017? FIFA and the AFC will land in Sydney early in 2018 to finally settle the congress quagmire that has brought football in Australia to a shuddering halt.
What will remain constant? Football's ability to shoot itself in the foot. In what should be a boom year with the Socceroos' participation at the World Cup, FFA power struggles and in-fighting threaten to derail the sport for years to come.
What will define the season? The appointment of the next Socceroos manager. Will they be a stop-gap solution? Can they unite a team that clearly yearns Ange Postecoglou to still be in charge? With no clear front-runner for the job, this appointment will be a fascinating insight into the vision that the "new" FFA has for Australia's future.
Who will be the major award winner? That's an easy one. Sam Kerr to win World Player of the Year after leading the Matildas to Asian Cup glory.
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Brisbane Roar 1-2 Melbourne Victory: Victory hold on
Melbourne Victory's two goals in the first half was enough to seal the win, despite Brisbane scoring in the second half.
Who is in the firing line? Take your pick. Steven Lowy, David Gallop, Kevin Muscat, Kenny Lowe and Darije Kalezic could all be out of a job by March, let alone the end of 2018.
Who will be the biggest riser and slider of the year? With the Algarve Cup in February, followed by the Asian Cup in April, the Matildas' epic rise is sure to continue. As for sliders, the longer Tim Cahill goes without a club, the less likely a spot in Russia will be for the 38-year-old. It would be an ignominious end to an otherwise legendary Socceroos career.
Who will win the A-League premiership? Sydney FC remains the team to beat, with Graham Arnold on the brink of a dynasty - but only if the Sky Blues can keep him away from the Socceroos helm!
What will be the headline of the year? Les Miserables: Socceroos slump to World Cup shocker vs. France
-Mike Wise
Footy foresight predictions for Australia's four football codes in 2018