sport

soccer   December 2, 2023

Terry Venables and the Socceroos’ World Cup heartbreak

While eulogies for former England manager Terry Venables describe a colourful character,  in Australia he will be best remembered for one dream-shattering night in 1997.

cricket   November 25, 2023

Captain Planet’s team on top of the world

Dismissed recently as too woke, the Australian men’s cricket team overran home-town favourites India to claim the ICC World Cup and surely the most unlikely success of the year.

sport   November 18, 2023

Plays of the month

From an Optus breakdown to a rising soccer star’s big break, a father’s release to an opposition player’s arrest, a six-wicket over to a 600-gamer’s farewell – the sporting month is off to an enthralling start.

basketball   November 11, 2023

The lasting legacy of Magic Johnson

Decades after his retirement, interest in NBA legend Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson has not dimmed. A recent documentary, an HBO series on his 1980s Lakers and an 800-page biography are testaments to his enduring legacy.

afl   November 4, 2023

Jack Riewoldt’s The Bright Side

Far from offering thoughtful insight into the venerated career of Richmond full-forward Jack Riewoldt, his new memoir, The Bright Side, is a dull cover letter for future employment.

sport   October 28, 2023

The reality of fantasy leagues

The creation of fantasy sports leagues has allowed avid fans to become armchair coaches. But at what point is love of the game sacrificed to ruthless analysis and numbers on a page?

sport   October 21, 2023

Five of the best sports books

When it comes to revelling in the glory of sport, sometimes the written word can equal the mastery of those on the field or in the ring.

soccer   October 14, 2023

Does the Beckham docuseries kick any goals?

A docuseries that could have been a deep dive into soccer superstar David Beckham’s fame and frailties delivers very little other than celebrity interviews and slick montages.

soccer   October 7, 2023

Ange Postecoglou: the Premier League’s romantic

As the first Australian to manage an English Premier League team, Ange Postecoglou is used to being underestimated. But he’s seizing opportunity, and is about to be taken a lot more seriously.

nrl   September 28, 2023

Passing genes: how family ties are a force in rugby league

If the family is, indeed, one of nature’s masterpieces, nowhere is this artistry more outstanding than in the world of elite rugby league, where two shining examples will go head-to-head during this Sunday’s NRL grand final.

basketball   September 23, 2023

Opals coach Sandy Brondello on building success

As head coach of the WNBA’s New York Liberty and the Australian Opals, Sandy Brondello says culture is key to a team’s success. It’s a philosophy she hopes to build on all the way to Paris 2024.