Twenty-five of the state's finest were yesterday named as finalists for the 46th annual awards and the competition appears fierce judging by the record number of nominations.

``The calibre of finalists this year is testimony to the talent coming out of Tasmania and the success of some of our sporting organisations,'' said Sport and Recreation Tasmania's executive director Craig Martin.

"Tasmanians have never let a small population prevent them from achieving big things, particularly when it comes to sport.''

Among the nominees are Australian cricket's all-time leading run-scorer Ricky Ponting and Ulverstone fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus who had a massive impact in the Baggy Green last year, terrorising the English batsmen during a phenomenal Ashes series.

All finalists will be vying for the supreme title of athlete of the year, previously won by Ponting, Olympic gold medallist Scott Brennan and basketball world champion Hollie Grima.

This year's awards also see two new categories for each region acknowledging a community club and local hero.

FOR A FULL LIST OF FINALISTS, SEE THE EXAMINER TOMORROW