Dear Santa,

Yet again, I’ve been a well-behaved good decent “good at it” girl this year.  I don’t ask for much generally, but here is my Christmas wish list for 2014.

I understand that it’s impossible to fit all of this in my stocking at this particular moment in time (mostly because I don’t actually HAVE a Christmas stocking) but here goes:

Australia to win the Ashes series 5-0

We’re already three fifths of the way there. It only requires two more victories against a team that is clearly out of sorts. I don’t think I’m asking too much, but it would really be a great start to the year to take out the Melbourne and Sydney tests as well. I don’t care about the T20 and ODI stuff – you can give that to whomever you see fit -but the tests would be a fantastic present.

Whilst we are at it, the Australian women bringing home the urn as well would be magnificent. The urn here might get a little lonely without it’s female buddy, so the girls winning the Ashes as well would be the icing on the cake.

Another epic Australian Open final – preferably between Federer and Djokovic

We were privileged enough to watch one of the greatest finals in Grand Slam history in 2012 between Djokovic and Nadal – a five hour and 53 minute epic – and it would be incredible to see one again, particularly one that had Roger Federer in the mix.  Yes, I know he’s past his prime, but I’ve always loved Federer and would adore seeing him have one last crack.

Nothing against Nadal, but he has plenty of years up his sleeve (injury permitting).  Let’s see a classic that we will remember for years to come.

A Superbowl between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots

No chance, I know, but still – the Broncos are having a stellar season and the Pats are my boys.  (Let it be known that this is the only time I support anything “England”).

Last year gave the fairytale of the Baltimore Ravens claiming the title (and how magnificent was the story of Michael Oher as a result) but now, I want part of MY fairytale to come true.

Peyton Manning v Tom Brady. Enough said.

A horse to take out the US Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes)

It hasn’t been done since 1978, when Affirmed took out the three great races, but there’s been some close calls.  2012 was robbed of having the chance to see I’ll Have Another take out the three races when he was scratched pre race due to tendonitis.  It was possibly the closest the world has come to seeing the feats of horses such as Citation, Assault and the great Secretariat; and we were robbed.

If there was any chance that it could be an Aussie horse take out the race Santa, I’d consider that icing on the cake.

(Yes, this was also a wish of mine last year, but I figure I can keep asking if I didn’t get it then).

Liverpool Football Club to take out the Barclays Premier League title

They’re on fire. They’re due. They’re worthy.

The Reds have had a stellar start to the season, led by some marvellous work from Luis Suarez.  They look settled, they have the hunger in their eyes and Anfield has the buzz back that has been missing for a few years.  It would be a perfect end to the season to be taking the title for Brendan Rodgers and there is nothing quite like hearing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” full of passion.

Yes. Let’s do it, fellas.

Australia to win a record gold medal tally at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

The country always does well at the Commonwealth Games and although taking out a record amount of gold shouldn’t be *that* big a deal, on the back of the performance from the London 2012 Olympics, I’m not sure the request is that cut and dry.

Sure, we have the constant strong performances from the likes of Sally Pearson, some of our swimmers, our shooters, rowers and sailors, but beyond that, anything is possible.

I have full faith in the squad though.  London may just have been the wake up call everyone (including supporters and sponsors) needed to poke everyone back into action, recognising those that are truly talented and assisting with funding and access to the best facilities available.

Let’s Advance Australia Fair in a big way in 2014.

A competitive season of Formula One

We were spoiled in 2012. With the competition so even after eight rounds, fans could be forgiven for thinking that it may have been the changing on the guard.  But 2013 reverted back to type, with Sebastian Vettel dominant.

It would be lovely to have another season of the championship being determined in the last or second last grand prix.  With Mark Webber’s retirement from Red Bull Racing and Daniel Ricciardo replacing him, it’s good to see the Australian representation continuing.  If I was to be entirely selfish, I would request a Ricciardo victory here and there, but the kid has to earn it.  (Hint, hint Santa – I think he will earn it).

The Wallabies to win the Rugby Championship

Okay, I know this is most likely not going to happen, but with the World Cup fast approaching, it would be the perfect lead in after what can only be described as a tumultuous year.

Too much has happened this year to go into detail, but 2013 was definitely not one of the finest for the Wallabies. So many ups and downs, changing of captains, sacking of players, suspension of players, poor form, record losses that shouldn’t have been, sacking of coach… but it’s all in the past.

The November tour showed some solid signs for the boys in gold and I (and many others) are hoping the form can continue and we get to see some special stuff against the French in the middle of the year.  Winning against the All Blacks would just be the icing on the cake.

(Okay, Santa, I’m allowed to have one unobtainable thing on here).

And lastly,

Bismarck du Plessis

Okay, this one appearing in my stocking would be all kinds of incredible.  I promise not to break him (although I can’t promise that I won’t try).

Thank you Santa.  Your attention to the above would be much appreciated.  In return, I’ve left some beers and Tim Tams for you, some carrots for the reindeer and some vegemite for Mrs Claus to spread on the toast when you get home.  Just don’t drink the beers yet, as the police have a Christmas blitz on drinking and driving, and I think your airborne sleigh led by reindeer may qualify as a suspicious vehicle.

Love, Min

x

**Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all**