2025 is set to be a highlight year in the sporting arena. These are my biggest questions that the upcoming year will answer across some of the most popular sports.
1. Is this really the end for Manchester City?
The last few months for the Citizens have been nothing but brutal. A 2-0 win over Leicester City broke their five-game winless streak in all competitions. In the Premier League, they sit fifth, 14 points behind Liverpool who are currently in the box seat.
Many will be quick to jump on Pep Guardiola and his side for their performances. Looking at their injury list is far from pretty viewing. John Stones, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Nathan Ake have all been ruled out of games this month. Rodri, their Ballon d’Or winner, had been critical to their success.
I’m not ruling out City. I find it highly unlikely they will win the Premier League this season. Pep and his side will rebound but there is little doubt that their 2025 will be a major factor in the sporting landscape.
2. Will the Sydney Swans rebound or give in to the pressure?
A second grand final loss in three years has continued to pain the Swans’ faithful. 81-point and 60-point margins in those games show utter failure to step up when the pressure is on. Many teams are unable to get back after such humiliating defeats.
New coach Dean Cox takes over from John Longmire in an attempt to keep a playing list motivated. Chad Warner could potentially be on the move back to his home state of Western Australia at the conclusion of the season and the Bloods have already lost Luke Parker to North Melbourne.
There is little doubt the talent is there but 2025 could be the season the Swans make it to the ultimate prize or begin a decline without the greatest success?
Chad Warner celebrates a goal. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
3. Can Oscar Piastri finally break the Australian F1 drought?
This one should be particularly captivating to the Australian Formula 1 fan. Oscar Piastri has been billed as a future world champion for his first two seasons in the sport. Considering similar praise has been given to Australia’s most recent motorsport exports I believe that’s a lot of pressure to put on the Melbourne native.
However, McLaren as reigning constructors champions enter season 2025 as the team to beat. Piastri has a quality opponent in Lando Norris and so the challenge is set. The first goal is to at least podium at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. No Australian has ever podiumed at his home race (Daniel Ricciardo did finish second in 2014 before being disqualified due to a technical error).
But more importantly, no Australian has won the world championship since Alan Jones in 1980. Australia should get behind this kid as he gets his first shot at the title. It’s going to be one hell of a ride.
4. Will Oklahoma City finally break the drought?
Oklahoma City have never won an NBA championship but 2025 feels like their best opportunity since the star-studded roster of Westbrook, Durant and Harden. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a potential MVP and has been putting a massive season together averaging 31 points, six rebounds and six assists. Chet Holmgren is showing why he was so heavily touted coming out of college.
Jalen Williams at 23 was a great pickup by the Thunder at pick 12 and so whilst this isn’t the most stacked team OKC has ever had 26 wins with only five losses and a win streak of 11 shows that this team is building into something special. The Western Conference is there for the taking this year and I fully expect the Thunder to be in the NBA finals in 2025.
5. Should Australia send off its aging stars post-Ashes?
Cricket’s traditional rivalry begins in November over in Perth and whilst that seems like an age away it will creep up rapidly. Australia, currently amid the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will soon turn its attention to an away Sri Lanka series before hopefully competing in the World Test Championship final.
But once the side does begin its preparations to welcome the English to our shores some consideration must be given to the sustainability of the squad.
Sam Konstas has burst into the scene at the MCG and I truly believe Nathan McSweeney holds a place in the future. Cameron Green’s return will be greatly appreciated. Josh Hazlewood and Usman Khawaja I have marked due to injury or form as potentially the first in this team to be shown the door.
It’s not a necessity to change everyone at once but the process may need to start sooner rather than later. No matter the result, post Ashes some rotation could occur.
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