But there’s one more certainty now we’re in late September – the 2016 winter delivered, big time.

I’m referring to more than just the torrential rain it delivered to all of the central west too. On that, all thoughts are being sent straight to the communities suffering through floods.

I’m talking sporting codes, despite the fact only one regional trophy returned to Orange.

This year’s Blowes Clothing Cup, Group 10 premier league and Orange Netball Association Toyota Cup finals series were easily the best I’ve seen.

I’d almost go as far as saying I enjoyed them more than I do slipping the odd movie, Simpsons or Keanu Reeves – see above – reference into a story or column.

Almost.

Orange Emus were short odds from the start of the season but Forbes’ resurgence, their transformation, from last year to this year was something to behold.

They went from winning four games all season in 2015 to only losing that many – including two finals – in 2016, with almost the same side.

Yes, the additions they had are incredible individual players but even so, that’s a fair effort.

They almost went all the way too, but for one scrum penalty and a Nigel Staniforth penalty goal. If anyone else was taking that kick, that game probably would’ve gone into extra-time.

Instead he nailed it on full-time – I’ve never seen him miss under pressure – to give the greens a 14-11 win.

That came after a brutal major semi-final which Emus won 10-5, again over the Platypi, and of course, that magical Bathurst Bulldogs win in the elimination semi-final.

Teams aren’t supposed to come back from 27-0 down in one half, especially not when they concede again in the second period.

But Bulldogs did, winning 39-34 over Orange City in extra-time. Then they thrashed Dubbo Kangaroos and came within a whisker of a grand final appearance. Magical, fairytale stuff.

My colleague Nick McGrath said the Bulldogs-Lions clash was “the best game of rugby I’ve ever seen” when he got back from Bathurst.

He’s prone to exaggeration, particularly when he talks about his Wests Tigers or their halves, Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses.

State of Origin ready? I don’t think so McGrath.

I digress, but let’s stay on rugby league now.

Take a bow, Mudgee Dragons.

Much like teams aren’t supposed to come back from 27-0 down in rugby, they’re not supposed to win premierships from fifth – in any sport.

Not in the fashion the Dragons did either, with a last-gasp try to secure a 14-10 win over the minor premiership-winning Orange CYMS who until the major semi-final, in my opinion, looked nigh on untouchable.

That major semi-final was incredible too, CYMS did exactly what Mudgee did to them to Bathurst Panthers. Then Mudgee did the same to Panthers the week after. Unbelievable.

There was always the belief that Mudgee side could do it, but it was still unrealistic.

After I discovered the last side to win from fifth was the Dragons in 2000, it almost seemed like it was meant to be, a fairytale bid bound for success.

It wasn’t just those sports either.

In the Central West AFL the Cowra Blues revived themselves from nearly folding as a club to winning a premiership.

The Bathurst Giants won their first senior men’s game midway through the year and then the under-18 premiership too.

Now we can move on to hockey.

Lithgow Panthers rarely looked troubled in either the men’s or women’s competitions but the regular season and finals were full of upsets and the latter was highlighted by several bouts of extra-time and a couple of shoot-outs too. Amazing.

In the local competitions, Barnstoneworth United’s maiden Orange District Football Association title is one to revel in but even more so is that of Barbarians.

In their first year of football the side fought back from being beaten and beaten well almost every week – they got done 16-0 at one stage – to winning the B grade B division title. Brilliant.

And finally, the netball.

Robin Hood won a ninth straight Orange Netball Association Toyota Cup title, but my word they had to fight to do so.

Royal Hawks took them to extra-time in the grand final in a massive effort, which came a week after the two blues produced a thrilling come-from-behind preliminary final win. Outstanding.

As I sit on the lounge reflecting and writing this, it’s hard to not see a certain romanticism in the 2016 winter.

It was full of redemption stories, fairytales, inspirational fightbacks, and everything else that comes with it – it’s very difficult to not get wrapped up in it all.

I’m just glad I often get the best seat in the house for all of it.

On a side note, I need to thank all the associations, clubs, teams, captains and players involved in winter sports – on behalf of myself and everyone here at the Central Western Daily – for the time and effort they afford us, it’s much appreciated.

I can’t wait for the 2017 winter now.

On another side note, if you haven’t watched Speed do it as soon as possible.

You’ll thank me, just like I thanked Keanu after the first time I saw it.

All hail Keanu and the Bus That Couldn’t Slow Down.