Four Nations
• October 28- November 19
Rugby league supremacy will be on the line when Wales, England, Australia and New Zealand contest this year's Four Nations competition in England.
The Kiwis may have been humiliated by Australia two weeks ago, but it is hard to judge a performance on a meaningless match. They go into the tournament as the defending champions and world champions, and it is always foolish to count the Kiwis out when they are down.
Still, the Australians will start as favourites and they will be doing their best to send Darren Lockyer into retirement as a winner.
It is hard to get a measure on an England side that seems to be great one year and average the next. Wales will simply be making up the numbers.
Melbourne Cup
• November 1
Racing enthusiasts will be as excited as a kid in a lolly shop when the the race that stops two nations is run on Tuesday.
Even if you are not a betting person, it could be well worth it to try your luck just for one day. The race has become a worldwide event, with many international trainers bringing their horses to Melbourne in search of the coveted cup.
Americain is back seeking a second consecutive Melbourne Cup, and it will take a mighty effort from the rest of the field to stop him from going back-to-back.
You could also head out to Wingatui for a day's entertainment. Even if you do not make any money, the sights and sounds and socialising make it a fun day.
Manny Pacquiao v Juan Manuel Marquez
• November 12
Anybody who loves the sweet science or pure athleticism of boxing should hunker down and watch the third installment of Pacquiao v Marquez.
There is animosity between these two boxers which dates to their two previous fights. In 2004, they battled to a draw, and in 2008, Pacquiao won a split decision.
Marguez has been shouting from the rooftops that he should have won those fights, despite being knocked down four times.
He has been baiting Pacquiao, but that could be akin to poking a lion with a stick. Pacquiao's boxing skills are simply a sight to behold.
President's Cup
• November 17-20
The world's best golfers will be on show at the Royal Melbourne course.
The United States team will be looking to continue its domination of the event. It has been beaten only once, in 1998. This year, the Americans boast an impressive line-up which includes Jim Furyk, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.
The International team will be relying heavily on Australians Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy to spearhead its challenge.
Will it be more United States domination or can the Internationals cause a boilover?
Australian Open
• January 16-29
Wimbledon may have strawberries on the lawn but you cannot beat sizzling hardcourt action in searing heat where only the fittest survive.
Defending champion Novac Djokovic will be looking to continue his dominanation, while Rafael Nadal will be hoping to get one over his nemesis.
Then there is the people's favourite, Roger Federer. He may be slipping down the rankings, but it would be foolish to count out a man who has won more grand slams than any other player.
With women's champion Kim Clijsters retired, it is a wide open race for the 2012 title. Caroline Wozniacki may be the world No 1, but unless she can win that elusive grand slam event she may not be there for much longer.
New Zealand v South Africa
• March 3-7
Dunedin's University Oval has hosted Bangladesh, Pakistan and the West Indies in recent summers, but this is another step up.
South Africa is the second-ranked test cricket nation in the world for good reason. It has classy batsmen, such as world No 1 Jacques Kallis, captain Graham Smith and Hashim Amla, and a pace attack, led by Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, which strikes fear into many international line-ups.
The New Zealanders will have their backs against the wall when they try to contain the Africans, with much depending on whether hometown boy Brendon McCullum and captain Ross Taylor can assert their authority.
If the Black Caps do cop a hiding, at least we will have watched one of the best cricket nations in the world.
