2019’s first batch of good people are ready to be rewarded as we announce the January 2019 Hero of the Month nominations.
To combat the cynicism of our regular Jerk of the Month poll, we also have our celebration of those people or things that do good, and are mostly underappreciated.
While the Jerk of the Month list expands every month, the January 2019 Hero of the Month is a select group, going for quality over quantity.
December – January was a big period for cricket, given there was not much else on in Australia, and so there are quite a few cricket nominations for 2019 Hero of the Month.
As ever, the voting of the winner is up to you, the reader/s, so vote early and often, as you can vote for as many people as you like.
FORM GUIDE – January 2019 Hero of the Month
PAT CUMMINS
Why are they a Hero?
For single-handedly bringing joy to Australian cricket fans this summer.
If he wasn’t taking wickets and being the most effective bowler in just about every session, he was the only batsman who looked capable of digging in.
The one shining light in what before the recent win against Sri Lanka, has been a very lean summer.
Hero-Meter: 9/10
KERRY O’KEEFFE
Why are they a Hero?
For his contributions as part of the new Fox Cricket commentary team.
The humour and underrated analysis is still there from his olden days at ABC Grandstand, but it now is more appreciated as part of the broadcasting changes.
It certainly is a refreshing change from the dross served up by Channel Nein for the last decade and more.
Hero-Meter: 8/10
RISBAH PANT
Why are they a Hero?
Indian Test Wicketkeper Rishabh Pant looks a great prospect for the Indians, and he looks like a potential great entertainer on and off the field.
On the field, he has broken records as a keeper, and he bats with gusto, averaging around 50 with the bat and a strike rate of 74.
Being a keeper, he was chirpy throughout the test series, and some of his verbal work behind the stumps was quality.
As was the follow-up photo with Tim Paine’s partner under the title of Babysitting, which was at the heart of one of his sledges.
Hero-Meter: 5/10
ASH BARTY
Why are they a Hero?
For doing what most other Australian tennis players can’t do, win and show some heart, and not be a complete jerk.
As some of her male contemporaries pick fights with Davis Cup bosses, Tennis Australia, themselves and each other, Barty kept winning at this year’s Australian Open. The quarter-final loss doesn’t matter, at least there’s someone to cheer for next major.
We like her even more as she had a second career at one stage as a Brisbane Heat player. Nothing like a duel sports star.
So for achievement instead of jerk, Ash Barty get a monthly hero nod.
Hero-Meter: 7/10
SANTA CLAUS
Why are they a Hero?
For another year of super fast, super efficient present delivery.
No one does worldwide logistics like Claus and Co. and we salute the big man, with the big beard and red suit for another year of solid December 24 work.
Hero-Meter: 10/10
AIR CONDITIONING
Why are they a Hero?
Summers in Australia are hot, and usually feature the occasional record heatwave.
Without Air Con it would be more insufferable than it currently is.
One of those things you only appreciate when they’re not working.
So we appreciate them with a nomination for January 2019 Hero of the Month, when they are working at their hardest.
Hero-Meter: 10/10
VOTE NOW – January 2019 Hero of the Month
Choose your January 2019 Hero of the Month. Vote for one – or vote for them all, your choice.
Vote early. Vote often.
