Must-Watch Sports Events in Australia in 2024
Australian sports fans are truly spoilt for choice in 2024, with the upcoming calendar packed with a host of top-class events taking place across the next 12 months.
Tennis and cricket inevitably dominate the landscape during the early part of the year, before things get a little more rugged a few months down the line.
With that in mind, we have scoured the 2024 sporting schedule in Australia to identify five events you simply cannot afford to miss this year.
Tennis – Australian Open – January 14-28
The first tennis Grand Slam of the year is always a thrilling affair, with the Australian Open renowned for delivering a plethora of memorable moments.
Novak Djokovic is the favourite with online bookmakers to win the men’s singles and he will be tough to beat in his quest to claim the title for the 11th time.
Carlos Alcaraz may have something to say about as he strives to win his third career Grand Slam, while Daniil Medvedev should also be competitive.
Iga Swiatek has been well-backed to win the women’s singles, but 2023 champion Aryna Sabalenka may be the value bet to retain the title.
Cricket – Australia vs West Indies – January 17 – February 9
If top-class cricket is more your thing, the upcoming series between Australia and West Indies should be well worth checking out.
The two sides are set to go head-to-head in Test matches, one-day internationals and Twenty20 (T20) games, meaning there is something to suit every taste.
The two Test matches could be particularly feisty, with the tourists coming in for criticism from Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh for picking an inexperienced squad.
Waugh has been a vocal critic of nations who do not take the longer version of cricket seriously and his comments will add a tasty layer of spice to the upcoming series.
Australian Rules Football League – Grand Final – September 28
Many sports fans argue the Australian Rules Football League Grand Final is the biggest event in the calendar, and it is tough to dispute that viewpoint.
The championship game will be played in front of 100,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, while an estimated 50 million fans worldwide will watch the game on television.
The event bears some similarities to the Super Bowl in the NFL, with friends and family coming together to celebrate the pinnacle of Aussie Rules football.
Collingwood emerged victorious in 2023, claiming a record-equalling 16th title by narrowly defeating Brisbane Lions in one of the most memorable finals in recent years.
National Rugby League – Grand Final – October 6
When a sporting event is deliberately positioned adjacent to a public holiday, you know that it must be something that transcends the boundaries of sports.
The National Rugby League (NRL) Grand Final precedes Labour Day on the first Monday in October, which helps to create a party atmosphere across Australia.
The athletic magnificence of the top NRL players makes the final a sight to behold and puts rival competitions such as the Super League in Europe firmly in the shade.
Penrith Panthers claimed their third successive title in 2023 and are the bookies’ favourites to complete a memorable four-timer this year.
Horse Racing – Melbourne Cup – November 5
Fireworks are always guaranteed whenever the Melbourne Cup is staged, particularly with regards to the interest the event garners in the global gambling industry.
The leading betting sites in Australia already have odds available on the 2024 edition of the race, despite it still being more than ten months away.
Without A Fight was an impressive winner of the 2023 Melbourne Cup, delivering sizeable payouts to punters who wagered on him to claim victory.
Balance Play could be one to watch in this year’s renewal having been snapped up for big money from England by McKeever Bloodstock, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
