Unscripted, emotional and edge of your seat theatre. There is nothing quite like live sport. Australian athletes continue to provide moments of brilliance that are etched into our nations sporting story. Here are my favourite six Aussie sporting moments for 2023.
#6: I’m loving Big Ange instead
Not everyone has been the muse of a Robbie Williams cover. But big Ange Postecoglou took the Premier League by storm when he stepped into the huge role of Tottenham Hotspur manager.
As the first Australian to coach in the Premier League, many pundits had their doubts. Nevertheless, the Big Ange lead Spurs began the season in red hot form, despite losing their captain Harry Kane in the transfer window. The players and fans have rallied behind the Aussie gaffer. If Liverpool don’t win, I will certainly be hoping Ange can lead Spurs to their maiden Premier League title.
#5: Jason Kubler and Rinky Hijikata
Like the Special K combo the year before, an Aussie doubles pair got the job done on home soil; winning the Australian Open Men’s Doubles Championship. The Wildcards took to Rod Laver Arena at 11pm after the Women’s Singles went the distance. A massive upset against the #1 seeds 6-4, 7-6.
A consistent year scored the boys a ticket to the ATP Finals at the end of the season.
#4 Two Aussies on the F1 grid
Melbourne’s Oscar Piastri had a controversial start to his F1 career, leaving Alpine to kick Daniel Ricciardo out of his McLaren seat. All was forgiven when Danny Ric landed in the Alpha Tauri to give Aussie F1 fans two exciting drivers to follow.
In his rookie season Piastri has shown great potential and growth with the car to be very competitive later in the season. He topped it off with a maiden win in the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint Race. One of few this year to outrace Max Verstappen.
#3 AFL and NRL Grand Final weekend
The two most followed leagues in Oz concluded with back-to-back epic finales. First up the Pies and Lions played out a thriller that came right down to the wire. Lead by Bobby Hill’s four goals, the Flagpies got the job done by four points.
On the Sunday, Penrith came from 8-24 down to claim their third premiership in a row (26-24). The Broncos gave the favourites a fair run for the money, nearly pulling off the unthinkable. Nathan Cleary dominated the second half and earned him the Clive Churchill medal.
#2 Aussies dominate in India
I’m not the biggest cricket fan going around so I wouldn’t be surprised if you think this should top the list. As an underdog the Aussie ODI team were utterly dominant. Lead by the bat of Glenn Maxwell and his 201 run Australian ODI record innings, we went into India and beat the hosts and favourites in prolific fashion.
#1 It’s Tillie Time.
So… where were you when the Matildas beat France? For me it was at a housewarming in Melbourne. Some of my friends openly aren’t football fans but even their eyes where fixed to the TV, taking in one of the biggest sporting moments since Cathy Freeman in Sydney 2000.
In the years leading up to the World Cup, I was desperate for a ticket to the Canada game in Melbourne. I was successful, and witnessed an atmosphere that rivalled the Cats AFL premiership at the G last year. Hayley Raso set AAMI Park on fire.
So many moments transformed the culture of Australian sport forever. Steph’s pen against Ireland, Macca the new Minister of Defence, Mary’s cutting through ball to Foord against Denmark, Sam sending it top bins from the moon and Courtney Vine finishing off THAT shootout.