Overview
If there's a sport that can be played, there's a fair chance there's a following for it in Melbourne.
Australian football (AFL): Aussie Rules
Get wrapped up in footy fever at AFL and AFLW matches for a chance to see rising stars and today's heroes compete on home soil. Grab a seat as the women take the field at the likes of Collingwood's Victoria Park from late January to April. Follow the men's season at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Marvel Stadium at Docklands most weekends during winter.
Cricket
Cricket takes over the MCG for the Boxing Day Test match against a fellow cricketing nation, and stays for a summer of Australian men's and women's tests, one-day matches, Twenty 20 carnivals and the Bushrangers' domestic competition. The Melbourne Renegades and Stars pull in crowds for the Big Bash League.
Netball, basketball and baseball
See the Melbourne Vixens in a trans-Tasman netball clash or watch the Aussie Diamonds international netball team shine at Hisense Arena. Also look out for Melbourne United, a team with a long history of success in the National Basketball League.
Tennis
In January you're treated to the world's best tennis players and the festive atmosphere of the Australian Open grand slam at Melbourne Park.
Rugby and soccer
With both rugby codes as well as soccer represented here, there's always something to see at the impressive AAMI Park stadium. Melbourne Storm fly the flag for rugby league (NRL and NRLW), and the Melbourne Rebels and Rebels W represent for rugby union. Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City vie for local supremacy in the men's A-League and women's W-League soccer competitions.
Equestrian and horse racing
Spring draws locals and visitors to the Spring Racing Carnival, culminating in the famous Melbourne Cup horse race. In summer, Christmas and New Year's horse races are held at Flemington Racecourse, and there is regular night racing at Moonee Valley. Equestrian events are held in Melbourne and around Victoria throughout the year.
Motor racing and cycling
Don't miss the annual Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Road racing, drag racing and speedway races are also mobbed by aficionados at Calder Park, Avalon Raceway and Sandown International Motor Raceway. Cycling competitions are held at Hisense Arena, or on paths and roads around the city.
Hockey, hurling and roller derby
Melbourne Ice dominates domestic ice hockey from the Docklands Icehouse, and even competitive hurling can be found around the city. Roller derby enthusiasts gather at the Melbourne Showgrounds − also home to the Melbourne Aces baseball team.
