SIX Tasmanian athletes at the peak of their professions have been named as finalists in the state's Athlete of the Year awards.
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Two achievements in Paris, one in Antwerp, one in Doha and two at Australia's home of sport, the MCG, marked the pinnacle of Tasmanian sporting excellence this year.
All-rounder James Faulkner became the third Launceston cricketer to be named player of the match in a world cup final as Australia won the tournament on home soil in March.
Just over seven months later, the same venue saw Devonport's Grant Birchall play a pivotal role in his, and Hawthorn's, third straight AFL premiership and fourth in eight years.
Two Tasmanian cyclists helped their team conquer the world in the French capital this year.
Having won his first national title in the Australian time trial championships and second Paris-Nice crown, Launceston's Richie Porte capped a stellar season by helping a Sky teammate win the Tour de France for the third time in four years as Chris Froome took the title on the Champs Elysees.
This followed West Pine's Amy Cure being part of the Australian quartet that finally broke Great Britain's stranglehold on the team pursuit world championship. Cure completed a set of medals at the Vélodrome de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines by taking silver in the scratch race and bronze in the individual pursuit.
Launceston shot putter Todd Hodgetts claimed his second global title when he added the IPC world championship in the F20 event in Doha last month to the Paralympic crown he won in London in 2012.
And Hobart hockey star Eddie Ockenden clocked up another successful season by helping the Kookaburras win the world league semi-finals in Belgium before being named both male player of the year and player of the tournament at the Australian Hockey League.
Premier and Minister for Sport Will Hodgman said Tasmania had a strong history of producing athletes who have excelled on the international stage.
"We are proud of our reputation for producing powerful athletes who train hard, aim high and represent our state with honour," he said.
"I am pleased to acknowledge the hard work and success of the men and women who are finalists. I would also like to congratulate the families and supporters of these athletes who must also share our pride in their many achievements."
The winner will be announced at a cocktail function at the Theatre Royal in Hobart on November 27.