2024 is upon us and there will be plenty more live commentary from the SENZ team this summer and throughout the year, beginning with Pakistan's five-match T20I series against the Blackcaps from January 12.
But before then, and while listeners are still enjoying those hazy summer days between Christmas and the return to work where you're not quite sure what day it actually is, let's revisit some of the great commentary moments that happened on SENZ in 2023.
5. "The Magic are magic!"
Mark Stafford and Brooke Leaver couldn't quite believe what they witnessed as they called a thrilling extra-time decider.
Prior to this March 19 matchup, the Western Bay of Plenty Magic were winless in the ANZ Premiership, going up against the red-hot Northern Mystics who went on to win the Grand Final 74-56 against the Northern Stars.
After the first quarter, the Mystics held a 10-point lead but it was chased down to be tied up 53-53 by full-time - watch the video to see the drama unfolding in front of the commentators' eyes.
“I can’t quite believe what I have witnessed here!!!” 🤩🏐
— SENZ (@SENZ_Radio) March 20, 2023
The WBOP Magic did the unthinkable on Sunday afternoon, chasing down the @northernmystics' first-quarter 10-goal lead to win 57-56 in an extra-time thriller!@ANZPremiership pic.twitter.com/Q88MTiqVCo
4. Reece Walsh's forward pass
The One NZ Warriors were one of the great stories of New Zealand sport in 2023.
Under the guidance of first-year head coach Andrew Webster, the Auckland-based club returned home for good after all the pandemic disruptions and quickly began to defy pre-season predications that had the Warriors fighting to avoid the wooden spoon.
They got as far as the NRL's Preliminary Finals, going to Suncorp Stadium to face the Brisbane Broncos and potentially set an NRL Grand Final date - but it wasn't to be, losing 42-12.
Sam Hewat and Tony Kemp called the games all season long as part of SENZ's radio partnership with the Warriors - the duo garnered their own following as they bounced off each other with their energetic calls, bringing the play to life for the listeners.
Calls of "shameful officiating" echoed around the world that night after Hewat's honest assessment of a missed forward pass went viral, attracting over a million views on TikTok when one fan synced up SENZ's commentary video with the match vision.
"That is shameful officiating..."
— SENZ (@SENZ_Radio) September 23, 2023
It's the missed forward pass we'll still be talking about on Monday!#NRLBroncosWarriors pic.twitter.com/0oTNWcHtmG
3. "It had to be Hannah!"
Australia and New Zealand co-hosted the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, attracting record-breaking crowds on both sides of the ditch as the best in women's football arrived to showcase their talents.
The New Zealand Football Ferns were unable make it out of the group stage, and perhaps didn't quite capture the attention of their nation as Australia's Matildas did, who finished fourth, but the Ferns started proceedings in the best way possible.
Hannah Wilkinson scored the first goal of the tournament, her third in a FIFA World Cup, to shock Norway with a 1-0 New Zealand win at Eden Park with 42,137 in attendance.
SENZ's Daniel McHardy called the moment, while the Wellington Phoenix's Lily Alfed watched alongside in amazement.
New Zealand scores the first goal of the World Cup and 'it HAD to be Hannah!' 🤩
— SENZ (@SENZ_Radio) July 20, 2023
Don’t miss a moment of the #FIFAWWC LIVE on the SENZ app: https://t.co/segaztxb8G
Cheers @MaccasNZ! pic.twitter.com/tlutNat86p
2. Shaun Johnson's drop goal
The resurgence of Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson was another great 2023 storyline - strong performances throughout the season saw him narrowly miss out on the Dally M Medal to Kalyn Ponga, but the 'Prince of Penrose' thoroughly entertained NRL fans with his dynamic playmaking skills and a stone-cold ability to snatch victory when called upon.
For Warriors home games, Sam Hewat and Tony Kemp sit high above Go Media Stadium's west stand calling the action for SENZ, and I'm right there with them covering the team for SENZ Digital - this moment in particular brought with it plenty of goosebumps.
In Round 21, the Warriors and Canberra Raiders were locked up 20-all before the ball found Johnson's golden boot to secure the 21-20 victory and send the Warriors into the top eight.
The way Hewat and Kemp call the game-winning play is still a joy to listen to today.
Two words: SHAUN! JOHNSON! #NRLWarriorsRaiders | @SENLeague pic.twitter.com/bnU7f50KmU
— SENZ (@SENZ_Radio) July 21, 2023
1. "Always bet on black!"
What could possibly beat that moment? One could argue that Johnson's kick is worthy of being SENZ's biggest commentary moment of the year, but Daniel McHardy's call of New Zealand's quarterfinal victory over Ireland at the 2023 Rugby World Cup was something special.
The All Blacks had to withstand 37 phases of Irish attack as time ran out at Stade de France to win 28-24. As those minutes ticked by, the tension ramped up, fingernails the victim up and down the country, that was until Sam Whitelock sealed the deal with a clutch play in the ruck to force a turnover penalty.
What you hear from McHardy as the full-time whistle blew is the release of all the anxiety and tension turning into sheer jubilation.
"ALWAYS BET ON BLACK!"
— SENZ (@SENZ_Radio) October 15, 2023
The final moments of the All Blacks' quarterfinal victory, as heard on SENZ.#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/52DzwQCjH5
"Always bet on black" is one of those phrases in live commentary that really hit in the moment and is worthy of being immortalised for future Rugby World Cups.