Summer. It had so much promise.

In fact, I remember sitting in the 1116 SEN studios one Sunday morning in September with Jason Richardson, the two of us rattling off the remarkable number of big events headed our way.

We were all set for a barnstorming summer of sport.

But we were young then.

It's now December, and things haven't quite panned out the way we expected.

The Ashes

What we anticipated: Sure, the Australian team was struggling, dropping from first to fifth in the Test cricket rankings. But their record on home soil was sensational, particularly against England, who hadn't won an Ashes series in Australia since 1987.

What we got: You don't need me, born and bred in the United States, to offer a lecture on the state of play. Just read the papers, listen to talk radio and follow the Tweets. The disaster in Adelaide means Ricky Ponting's men have to win two of the next three Tests to reclaim the Ashes.

World Cup decision

What we anticipated: Potentially a monumental shift in how world football is viewed in this country. And Frank Lowy, Ben Buckley and that Fashionista/Sports Minister persuaded us that we had a chance of winning world football's biggest prize.

What we got: They spent $45 million on one vote and a cheesy film. The FFA ought to reimburse every fan who went to a live site in the middle of the night to watch Australia's bid get trumped by Qatar.

Tiger Woods

What we anticipated: The former world No.1 might defend his Australian Masters title, get his first win for 2010 and jump start his once-great career.

What happened: He came, he played, he left. End of story. Oh, except for the millions in government money he pocketed.

Melbourne Heart

What we anticipated: Victory's free ride in Melbourne was over, as a well-organised club, with good veteran players - Simon Colosimo, Clint Bolton, John Aloisi, Josip Skoko - offered fans another option and promised attractive football on the pitch.

What happened: Injuries, suspensions and an often-puzzling A-League schedule have taken its toll. Heart have scored just one goal in its last six games and taken one point from a possible 18. The attendance figures at AAMI Park have been - to be kind - on the slim side.

Sydney Kings

What we anticipated: The NBL was giddy over two things: its new television deal with One HD and the return of the Kings. One of the tenets of the "new NBL" was to get a franchise back into Sydney, and the Kings were considerd an iconic brand that would help lift the league and increase its relevance.

What we got: The Kings have lost eight straight games, sacked two imports and are dead last on the ladder.

The Australian Baseball League

What we anticipated: With more than 100 Aussies playing professionally around the world, the return of an elite domestic league has long been discussed. Major League Baseball came to the party with financial support and marketing muscle.

What we got: This summer's inclement weather has played havoc with the fixture, delaying and postponing games. Rain even forced a recent game between the Melbourne Aces and Sydney Blue Sox to end, bizarrely, in a draw.

Serena Williams

What we expected: The two-time defending Australian Open champion would be back for a shot at a "three-peat."

What we got: Admittedly, the Open is still a month or so away and will continue to be one of the world's great sporting events. But anytime you lose someone with the pedigree and personality of Serena, your event is bound to suffer.

Mark Webber

What we expected: "Mark Webber, Australia's Formula One champion."

What we got: Third place. But don't get me wrong, what Webber did was phenomenal, especially following the revelations that he was driving for a couple of months with an injured shoulder.