As we explore our rich online resources during COVID-19, today we're focusing on sport, which is such an important part of Australia’s story. Our hopes and histories have been played out in sporting arenas.
Part of our collection is shared via Google Arts and Culture, telling stories of great sporting moments and what they reveal about our nation. But there are so many more incredible sporting moments in our vault. Here are our favourite pieces about some of our favourite sports.
Cricket
Last week we shared one of our favourite sporting Defining Moments on social media: the first Australian cricket tour in England, in May 1868.

The team consisted of 13 Aboriginal men from the western district of Victoria. They played 47 matches against intermediate-level English amateur teams between May and October 1868.
The tour made headlines in England and Australia and continues to be a significant moment in Australia’s cricketing history.
Women’s AFL
In February 2017, the Collingwood Magpies and the Carlton Blues made history.
They played the first premiership game of the Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) competition at Ikon Park in Melbourne, Victoria.
While the season this year came to an unplanned end, the AFLW is still going strong, with 14 teams in the competition across the nation.
Melbourne Cup

No discussion on Australian sport is complete without the race that stops the nation, Melbourne Cup.
We’ve got an incredible interactive where you can discover details about Flemington Racecourse. Explore the workings and discover the wonders of the Melbourne Cup site.
Rugby
It's the clash of the codes: rugby league versus rugby union.
Back in 2008 we had ABC Canberra sports reporter Tim Gavel, Brumbies media manager Nick Smith, Canberra Raiders media manager Ben Pollock and National Museum curator Guy Hansen chat to us about the pros and cons of each.
Listen to their thoughts and let us know yours! Join the conversation and comment below.
02 Mar 2008
Clash of the codes: rugby union vs rugby league
We’ll keep bringing objects, collections, exhibitions and programs from the vault as part of the Museum from home experience. Stay tuned!
In our collection