21. Honourable mention: Gai Waterhouse. (Racehorse trainer). Technically not an athlete but a trailblazer for women in a very male domain. Click for more photos

Australia's top 21 sportswomen

21. Honourable mention: Gai Waterhouse. (Racehorse trainer). Technically not an athlete but a trailblazer for women in a very male domain. Photo: Steve Holland

Ask anyone which  sportsperson they admire most and invariably they will say Michael Clarke, or Benji Marshall, or Adam Goodes. And they're all outstanding performers.

Now take the blokes out.

There is a wealth of female talent among the current crop of Australian sportswomen.

I've picked my top 20 - judging by recent performance and contribution to their sports. Many of you will want to argue - and please do, below. But these are the ones who make me stop and watch.

It was very hard to choose between netball players, footballers, hockey players and cricketers. Hardest to leave out: Sydney FC captain Heather Garriock and NSW cricket captain Alex Blackwell. But no team success has ever come through one woman alone. It was harder still to put them in any order. The fact it is an Olympic year made it almost impossible.

And, no, Black Caviar is not getting  a start here.

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Let us know (in the comments section below) who makes you stop and watch, and who has got a raw deal?