High hopes for 2022 sport

NEW Year is always the time for resolutions.

Seeing as my goal to drop a few Christmas kegs has gone incomplete for about a decade now, I realise that’s not my strong suit.

Instead I have some wishes I hope can come to fruition, and that includes my hopes for what’s on the horizon in sport in Sunraysia.

Here are 10 wishes I have for local sport in 2022:

Uninterrupted seasons

I mean I’ve probably put the mozz on it already by saying it, but I think we’re all in the same boat in that we’re sick of all our sporting campaigns being stifled by that thing I will not name.

Summer competitions have maybe emerged slightly more unscathed, but certainly winter sports over the last two years have copped a hiding with lockdowns and restrictions.

No doubt threats are still hovering around due to the current landscape, but if some kind of normality (whatever that is) can come back, we’d be over the moon.

The return of the Mildura 100

The jewel in the crown of the Easter Powersports weekend has not been able to run for two straight years, but here’s hoping Australia’s fastest river race is back in 2022.

While lockdown restrictions had eased by Easter last year, insurance for the race, normally covered by Ski Racing Australia, proved to be too much of a sticking point.

The volunteer crew does a wonderful job each and every year to put it together and it would be a crying shame for the entire region if circumstances were again beyond their control.

Mildura Sporting Precinct becomes the hub…

If so much money has been spent on a brand new facility, let’s well and truly embrace it even if there have been some misgivings.

Following the completion of stage one of the MSP, some sports had a taste of competition in the new digs a couple of months before Christmas, although a few teething issues with the playing surface did come to light early.

Provided those are sorted out, and with South Mildura Sporting Club to start making the move across, you sense the Sixteenth Street facility could become a hive of activity

…And higher-level events come to town

One is already locked and loaded with WNBL side Bendigo Spirit set to face the Adelaide Lightning at the new stadium on February 19.

That will be a real litmus test for MSP, and if it goes well, it could absolutely open the door to other possibilities.

Major volleyball tournaments could be on the cards, Bendigo Pioneers are pushing to host NAB League games here, and council has already stated its desire to host an AFLW or AFL practice match, although admittedly that’s more likely for 2023.

People return to live sport…

Is there much better than actually getting back to basics when it comes to local sport and just enjoying it?

We saw a great example last year from the Sunraysia Football and Netball League that after the null and void 2020 campaign, more people than ever were coming through the gates.

Not only is community sport a great physical outlet, but a great social and mental lift as well

.…But live streaming also becomes more frequent

That being said, it’s understandable that some might be apprehensive to remain around crowds of people given the circumstances over the past few years.

Live streaming of sports and events has become a more popular way to ensure people don’t miss out, something motorsport in particular has done very well in recent years.

Football and netball live streams proved popular when utilised last year as well, and if clubs and competitions have the means to do so, it’s a brilliant format for extra exposure.

Other sports get a boost

My great hope is that it’s not just the ‘major’ sports that experience a boost in player numbers, but also some of those that don’t have the same reach or popularity.

Hopefully people will want more than just one discipline to get the competitive juices flowing and as a result, maybe try a sport they never have before.

Volleyball, remote control car racing, mountain(less) bike riding, rowing… the possibilities are endless!

Mildura Heat wins that elusive championship

This year marks a decade since the Mildura Heat last won a Big V Basketball title when the men’s side, then in Division 1, took the crown.

The last remaining players from the victory in Brent Symons and Dave Meyer have now retired, as well as Calvin Henry, so it will be a new look Div 2 men’s side taking to the court this year in their quest for glory.

The Div 1 women’s side also has the potential for a breakthrough season. Considering how well they played in 2021 despite availability issues, it’s conceivable that a fully fit squad could absolutely make a run at the title.

Our tightest football and netball seasons yet

This really applies to every sporting competition as it always brings more intrigue when the competition is close.

The only thing better than a season without COVID stoppages would be a points tally where you genuinely won’t know who will make the finals.

Will Irymple (footy) and Wentworth (netball) remain the SFNL powerhouses? Or can someone else come and snatch the crown?Enjoyment remains at the forefront

Maybe this is a bit too “sunshine and rainbows” for some, but just simply enjoying sport has got to be the ultimate point considering the last two years.

No doubt when the winter seasons were called off last year there were some people left feeling jaded that efforts almost came to nothing.

Just having fun being back on the field/pitch/court, and even just being part of a club, really is the best way for us all to build back up again.