Sure, there is the gentleman-like Test match to rock you through overs as you continue digesting your Christmas degustation. And, there is a yacht race to serenely lull you into your next round of festive activity or super sales shopping. Both nice options but neither guarantee fiery battle.

You could check out the latest motivational Rocky installment Creed at the cinema (perfectly themed for a holiday called Boxing Day and guaranteed self-confidence boost after a day spent with extended family packing verbal jabs), or spend your Boxing Day afternoon considering epic bouts, real Ballarat blockbusters, in the year ahead. Here’s a taste:

Jared Tallent v the world

AUG 19: Imagine the story, the race, should leading Australian race walker Jared Tallent finally get to step out as the reigning Olympic 50-kilometre champion. His status is still pending with one final hearing to go in the Court of Arbitration of Sport on Russian drug cheat Sergey Kirdyapkin, and should be determined by late February. Tallent missed standing atop the podium in London. His long, outspoken road for justice may still have some turns ahead but all roads lead to Rio and August 19, the men’s 50km title race.

Women jockeying to stop the nation NOV 1: Michelle Payne did more than prove a female jockey could ride a Melbourne Cup winner this year – she captured hearts and inspired millions across the world. Payne broke the mould for what is possible. Will more women pull on silks in the Cup or will male jockeys reassert their dominance on the track? What might Payne serve up next – will she bring a fairytale finish to life twice?

Ballarat v Bendigo, women’s basketball APR 1: Straight up and opening round at the Minerdome, Bendigo legend (and former Miners coach) David Flint will coach Rush for the first time in the South East Australian basketball League. Clashes with Bendigo are always electric. This time though, Flint has spent the summer as assistant coach with Bendigo’s WNBL team and is sure to add some Spirit flavour to the Rush outfit. Certain added fire.

Coburg v North Ballarat, football APR 9: Decorated Rooster Marc Greig was always a courageous player in any challenge. This will be his first official match leading Ballarat’s marquee team off the field as head coach and the club’s first match in a return to standalone status – no AFL partner – in the Victorian Football League. Poetically, Coburg is the rival on which the Roosters left off on winning note this year, and Lions coach Peter German will be snarling to bite back.

Buninyong ‘Super Sunday’, cycling road nationals JAN 10: Orica-GreenEDGE versus every other rider. Simon Gerrans, out injured last summer, is firing up as a hot favourite with teammate Caleb Ewan the guys to beat in the criterium and big chance should he get a look-in at Buninyong. This summer, the women’s elite road race has moved to double-billing with the men with Gracie Elvin’s proven record hard to top.

This is just the beginning.