Sport is an important part of Australian culture, and Melbourne is often referred to as the sporting capital of Australia.
No matter your knowledge and passion levels, Melbourne has a sport and team for you. And, with Transport Victoria’s incredible public transportation network, you’ll find it easy, efficient and affordable to get to any game!
Read on to find out everything you need to know about watching sport in Melbourne.
Australian Rules Football
The teams
“Aussie Rules” or AFL is closer to a religion than a sport for many Melbournians! Unique to Melbourne is the fact there are 10 professional teams based in or close to different suburbs of the city. This leads to fierce rivalry and a great atmosphere at matches.
If you live in Melbourne, chances are there is a professional team based in your area:
- Melbourne Demons
- Carlton Blues
- Collingwood Magpies
- Essendon Bombers
- Western Bulldogs
- Hawthorn Hawks
- St Kilda Saints
- North Melbourne Kangaroos
- Richmond Tigers
- Geelong Cats (located an hour’s drive from Melbourne).
The league – AFL & AFLW
AFL is Australia’s most popular sport, and Melbourne is truly the heartland of footy. There are a further eight teams located in other parts of Australia to make up the 18 teams in the national league – the AFL.
The men’s season runs from March until September, and the women’s season from October to December.
Where to watch
The teams play most of their matches at the MCG and Marvel Stadium, as well as in smaller venues across Victoria throughout the season. Both Marvel and the MCG are now in Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone, which was recently extended. This means more money in your pocket to buy that classic footy snack – the meat pie!
Check the AFL website for match times, venues and tickets.
Rugby League (NRL & NRLW)
The teams
Rugby league is less popular in Melbourne than AFL. However, the Melbourne Storm – the team from Melbourne – have been one of the most successful teams in the sport’s history.
The League – NRL
The Storm play in the National Rugby League (NRL). They play matches from March until October against teams from Queensland, New South Wales, Canberra and New Zealand throughout the season.
Where to watch
The Storm play their home games at AAMI Park, which is located in the CBD, which means it’s also in the Free Tram Zone!
Tickets can be bought through the Melbourne Storm website or on Ticketek and can cost around $35.
Cricket
The teams
Cricket is Australia’s most popular summer sport, and both domestic and international matches are played in Melbourne.
Melbourne is home to two Big Bash League teams, the Melbourne Renegades and the Melbourne Stars.
The Australian National teams also host other countries every summer and play a variety of matches at the MCG.
The league
The Renegades and Stars have both men’s and women’s teams that play in the Big Bash League, which is an exciting and fast-paced competition with teams located throughout Australia and featuring top international talent.
Where to watch
The Renegades and Stars play matches from October to January at the MCG and Marvel Stadium, as well as GMHBA Stadium in Geelong. Luckily, Transport Victoria makes getting to Geelong easy, fast and affordable. Regular v/line services run here from Melbourne, taking just one hour and costing only $11!
Ticketing information:
Netball
The team
The Melbourne Vixens are the Victorian team in the Super Netball league. Netball is one of Australia’s most popular sports and has strong participation around the country.
The league
The Vixens compete in the Super Netball League in Australia as one of eight teams.
Where to watch
The Vixens play their home games at John Cain Arena and Margaret Court Arena, which are right next to the MCG. That means you can also get here easily via the Free Tram Zone! Tickets can be bought through their website.
Soccer (A-League)
The teams
Melbourne is the cultural heart of Australian Soccer, with strong participation and attendance.
It is home to three professional teams competing in the highest division of Australian Soccer.
The league
The A-League is Australia’s premier league of Australian Soccer, with 14 teams located throughout Australia and New Zealand. Teams are made up of both local and international talent. The season runs from October through May.
Where to watch
Matches are primarily played at AAMI Park in Melbourne, with other matches being played occasionally at smaller regional venues.
Ticket information can be found on the A-League website.
Other sports
Melbourne also hosts major annual sporting events like the Australian Open in tennis and the F1. Other sports include:
- Basketball – Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix
- Baseball – Melbourne Aces
Where to watch sports if you can’t attend the games
If you can’t get to a game, there are many great pubs and bars in Melbourne to watch the match with other fans.
AFL: Each team will have club-specific pubs in the area. However, some good options include:
Cricket: Imperial Hotel
And of course, no matter where you want to go, you’ll find it easy to get there via Melbourne’s excellent public transport. And, as an international undergraduate student, you could be eligible for a 90-day, 180-day or 365-day International Student Travel Pass! An ISTP can save you up to 50% on your annual transport fees.
Want to catch some sport on TV instead? Channel 9 airs NRL games, and Channel 7 shows AFL and cricket. Subscription-based streaming services KAYO and Fox Sports also show matches and games from many different sports.
