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Australia is a nation that is often recognised and defined by its success on the sporting field.
Over the course of history sport has embedded itself into Australian culture and into every Australian.
Modern day Australia is a nation that now boasts some of the world’s best annual sporting matches and events, but which event is the greatest of them all? Which event emphasises what Australian culture is all about? Which event truly stops the nation?
Australian rules is traditionally recognised as Australia’s game. It was first invented and played in the land down under almost two centuries ago.
From humble beginnings Aussie rules has evolved into a national sport. Traditionally the sport’s biggest event, the AFL grand final is contested on the last weekend in September every year.
Yearly on these sacred Saturdays in September 100,000-plus pack into the MCG to passionately observe the two best teams from that season battle it out for the game’s top honour.
Furthermore millions of televisions around the nations are tuned into Channel Sevens coverage of the match, making this day match more than just another sporting event. The AFL grand final really has it all and it would be understandable if the day was made a national public holiday given the pre match hype and excitement.
However as globalisation tightens its grip on the modern world perhaps other more globally recognised events exceed the greatness of the AFL grand final.
Several other rival sporting events that also take place in Melbourne, the self-proclaimed sporting capital of can also lay claim to the title of being Australia’s greatest sporting event.
Firstly, the Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park is the first race of the new season every year, each year thousands of fans journey from not only across Australia but the rest of Oceania also to see the world’s best drivers light up the Albert Park track.
Furthermore the rise of Australia’s own Formula One prodigy Daniel Ricciardo has ignited excitement for the event, an event that the city is struggling to continue to host.
In the months preceding the Formula One race at Albert Park the city of Melbourne is inundated by tennis lovers. All eyes focus on Rod Laver Arena to view the world’s most gifted players take part in Asia and Oceania’s only Grand Slam tennis tournament.
Several hundred metres away from Rod Laver Arena another of Australia’s greatest sporting events can be viewed yearly on Boxing Day. The Boxing Day Test contested by Australia and the touring rival of the time and is an event not to be missed.
Despite attendances becoming a concern for the sport in recent times, there is never a lack of atmosphere or passion at this event. If baseball is America’s pastime, cricket is Australia’s.
Countless iconic moments have occurred in Boxing Day Tests over the years at Australia’s spiritual home of cricket. However if cricket just doesn’t embody greatness then how about the Melbourne Cup?
The race that stops the nation is a truly unique event. It is a curious mix of class and raw passion. Often attracting crowds in excess of 100,000 the race at Flemington cannot be avoided. For one day each year it is as though horses are the number one priority for the majority of the crowd in attendance and for those watching on at home.
However will the race that stops the nation fall out of favour with future generations due to the raising concerns of the welfare of the horses involved? Or will the Melbourne Cup always have a place in the hearts of Australians?
Another sport which unites Australians is football, albeit only on irregular occasions.
A joy like no other was felt on that November evening in 2005 when after decades of heartache the Socceroos eliminated Uruguay and advanced to the FIFA World Cup.
Football is the sport that is the most culturally accepting, and as Australia is one of the world’s most multicultural nations, that match cemented football’s place in Australia’s sporting landscape. It truly united the nation in perhaps a way that no other sport can.
How about the State of Origin, the Sydney to Hobart or the Tour Down Under?
Australia truly has a unique sporting landscape made up of a variety of sports, which on one day or another all have their special day, but which sport attracts the whole world’s attention? Which event really stops the nation?
What is Australia’s greatest sporting event?
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