The sporting pictures that defined a dramatic year

Tim Cahill gets his hands on some silverware - the 2015 Asian Cup.

Michelle Payne becomes the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup on Prince Of Penzance.

The moment the Diamonds clinched their 11th World Netball Championship.

The shot heard around the world: Holly Holm puts Ronda Rousey's lights out with a brutal kick to the jaw.

One of the most chilling things seen in sport: a shark bearing down on Mick Fanning in Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa. Thankfully, Fanning's around to tell the tale.

The fight that many thought would never happen, finally did. But it was rather dull, with Floyd Mayweather (left) taking a dull decision win over Manny Pacquiao.

Officials erect screens around fallen champ Red Cadeaux after this year's Melbourne Cup. The stayer made it to the vet at Werribee but had to be euthanased two-and-a-half weeks later.

Emotional scenes at Subiaco Oval in the Adelaide Crows' first game after the death of their coach Phil Walsh. Tears ran freely as players of the Eagles, where Walsh had a long association, and Crows embraced post match.

Stuart Broad turned destroyer in the fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, claiming 8-15 as Australia was bowled out for just 60.

Andy Murray had already won a US Open and a Wimbledon title, but helping Great Britain to its first Davis Cup since 1936 prompted an incredible outpouring of joy.

Steve Smith and Shane Watson guide Australia to another one-day World Cup, winning the final in a canter over New Zealand at the MCG.

The sun sets behind Adelaide Oval on the first day of the inaugural day-night Test match.

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw hoists the Rugby World Cup trophy aloft at Twickenham.

When it finally became too much to bear: James Hird tearfully announces his resignation in August.

Michael and Kyly Clarke share a moment after the Australian skipper's final Test match.

Beat him by that much: Usain Bolt just betters Justin Gatlin in the 100m final of the World Athletics Championships.

Melbourne Victory stalwart Archie Thompson enjoys the club's A-League premiership win with supporters.

Cyril Rioli, Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Jarryd Roughead, Grant Birchall and Luke Hodge join the immortals, as four-time Hawthorn premiership players. The Hawks were far too good for West Coast in the AFL grand final, winning by 49 points.