You. know the drill. In fact, it is probably safe to presume you have kept all three previous editions of the ODT sports power rankings, and dig them out frequently as a conversation starter.
This is my opinion, so it cannot be wrong. Complaints and suggestions are welcome (see email below). But this is my opinion, so it cannot be wrong.
I rank New Zealand athletes - active ones - based on achievement, status, profile and something best described as old-fashioned bias.
On-field performers only. No coaches, no power-brokers, no bag-carriers and no tyre-changers.
The figures in parentheses represent where the athletes appeared in last year's power rankings.
The top 10
1) Richie McCaw (1)
G. O. A. T.
Holds on to top spot for a fourth consecutive year. Well, he has to. Might not have played much rugby recently but his status as our alpha dog is unchallenged. In the twilight of his career but you would not bet against him leading the All Blacks to another World Cup.
2) Valerie Adams (3)
Utterly dominant
The shot put will never be a glamour event but who cares? Adams is a colossus of her code and simply appears unstoppable. If she retains motivation, and the dopers continue to be weeded out, she will finish with four or five Olympic gold medals. Extraordinary.
3) Brendon McCullum (9)
Bazz the boss
A leap up the rankings to recognise his new status. McCullum's elevation to Black Caps captaincy in all three forms of cricket was terribly messy, but the dust has settled now. The leadership sits comfortably on his shoulders.
4) Steven Adams (new)
Hoop dreamer
Go ahead and get excited, even if he has not played a single minute in the NBA yet. Having a New Zealand player taken in the top 20 of the NBA draft was an incredible experience. Now we get to see Adams grow and develop, hopefully, into a heck of a player.
5) Sonny Bill Williams (2)
Code-swapper I
Never far from the headlines. From league to rugby, then back to league, then maybe back to rugby, with a little boxing in the mix. The most charismatic New Zealand athlete of our time.
6) Benji Marshall (6)
Code-swapper II
Never far from the headlines. From league to rug ... oh, sorry. Marshall may be the most intriguing member of our top 10. How will he go in rugby? Stay tuned.
7) Winston Reid (new)
Happy Hammer
With Ryan Nelsen retired, Reid assumes the mantle of New Zealand football poster boy. Plays week-in, week-out in the English Premier League with West Ham and is an extremely popular member of the club. Now needs to guide the All Whites back to the World Cup.
8) Lydia Ko (new)
Golf's next superstar
So long, Cambo and Danny Lee. New Zealand golf is now all about Ko, the amateur wunderkind - still just 16 - who has the world at her feet. Has already broken records, and shows absolutely no sign of burning out before her professional career begins.
9) Dan Carter (4)
Simply the best
Almost boring in his consistent brilliance. Will never get the sort of adulation McCaw enjoys, but his status as our greatest first five-eighth is now secure.
10) Lauren Boyle (new)
Making a splash
Talk about your late bloomer. Boyle was a very good swimmer - she made the 2008 Olympic squad - but has exploded into form since focusing on longer distances in recent years. Fourth at the 2012 Olympics was followed by three medals at the world championships. Has succeeded despite New Zealand swimming's state of perpetual chaos.
The rest
11. Hamish Bond and Eric Murray (15)
The best rowing crew in the world and now they have an Olympic gold medal to prove it. More world titles and Olympic glory await.
12. Kieran Read (8)
The glue of the All Black pack should be in his prime for the next two to three years.
13. Lisa Carrington (new)
The new golden girl of New Zealand sport proved in London she is not just a pretty face.
14. Marina Erakovic (23)
Quietly having a really good year. Won her first WTA title in February and reached the third round at both Wimbledon and the French Open.
15. Scott Dixon (12)
Just keeps enhancing his Indy Car legacy. Won three straight races last month.
16. Casey Kopua (13)
No longer Casey Williams but still our No 1 netballer and still leading the Silver Ferns.
17. Ross Taylor (5)
Plummets in the rankings after the captaincy saga and his brief self-imposed exile. But he remains our best batsman and his input will be vital if the Black Caps are to keep improving.
18. Kirk Penney (11)
Fell off the radar when he left the Breakers but should not be forgotten. Penney had a spectacular season in the Turkish league, one of the strongest in Europe.
19. Marco Rojas (new)
''Kiwi Messi'' might be a little strong but the little bloke with the quick feet is certainly exciting. Hopefully he gets an opportunity with his new German club, then helps the All Whites get to Rio.
20. Irene van Dyk (10)
Will still be shooting when she's 50.
21. James McDonald (new)
New Zealand's leading jockey won in England in June and also rode at Royal Ascot. He and It's A Dundeel will chase group 1 glory in Melbourne in the spring.
22. Jossi and Byron Wells (new)
The ''veterans'' of New Zealand freeskiing are up with the best in the world, and have legitimate dreams of winning our country's second Winter Olympic medal.
23. Kayla Sharland (new)
Led the Black Sticks to fourth at the Olympics, and was named player of the tournament at hockey's world league in Rotterdam.
24. David Tua (new)
Nearly usurped in public profile by Joseph Parker but the Tuaman still commands attention.
25. Greg Henderson (20)
The grand old man of cycling keeps those wheels turning. Just completed another stellar Tour de France as Lotto's lead-out man.
Dropping out
Ryan Nelsen (7)
Conrad Smith (14)
Daniel Vettori (16)
Simon Mannering (17)
Shane Cameron (18)
Thomas Abercrombie (19)
Tommy Smith (21)
Mahe Drysdale (22)
Andrea Hewitt (24)
Danny Lee (25)
