With the coronavirus cancelling or suspending all sports events in the near future, here is a list of movies, documentaries and TV shows to watch to keep any Aussie sports fan occupied and sane while the sports world is currently placed on hold.
100 Years of Australian Football (1996)
Ignore the title, this is the definitive history of the first 100 years of the Victorian Football League, which of course became the AFL. Despite ignoring the rich football history of the other football states, no other footy documentary captures the thrill and the history of the game in Victoria. A must watch for any football fan with plenty of interviews and footy to keep the withdrawals at bay.
Bodyline (1984)
Produced by Channel 10 and George Miller of Mad Max fame in 1984, Bodyline is a dramatic retelling of the infamous 1932/33 Ashes series, where the English side used controversial bowling tactics to curtail the greatness of Don Bradman. This seven-part series adds a human element, focusing on English captain Douglas Jardine and Aussie legend Don Bradman, with enough cricket action to satisfy any cricket fan.
Crackerjack (2002)
Mick Molloyโs magnum opus, Crackerjack is a classic Aussie comedy about a group of oldies and a reluctant Jack, played by Molloy, who must band together to save their bowls club from a greedy developer. Perfect if you need a laugh.
Where to watch: Stan
The Professionals (2020)
One of the more recent releases on the list, The Professionals covers the changes to rugby league, in particularly with the players, over the last 40 years. Great for those who want to brush up on their league history.
Sporting Nation (2012)
Comedian John Clarke takes a look at why Australians are enthralled with sport in this three-part series. ย With interviews with many Aussie sport legends and everyday people, this series is perfect for those who want a lighter look at this nationโs obsession with sport.
Where to watch: Kayo
Official film of the 2000 Sydney Olympics (2000)
With the Tokyo Olympics postponed until next year, itโs the perfect time to relive when Australia hosted what many consider the greatest Olympics ever. This is two hours of highlights and profile pieces of the best athletes from the Sydney games, including Aussie legends Ian Thorpe and Cathy Freeman.
The Test: A new era for Australiaโs team (2020)
The most recent release on the list, The Test is an inside look at the Australian cricket team as they bounce back from the ball tampering saga in South Africa. Featuring unprecedented access to the inner sanctum of the team, The Test is a must-watch for any cricket fan.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Phar Lap (1983)
Phar Lap is a dramatic retelling of the story of perhaps the most famous horse in Australian history, hitting on all the key points in his life and showing why he was such an inspiration to many during the Great Depression, this is a great one to watch with the family.
Where to watch: Stan
Bra Boys: Blood is thicker than water (2008)
Bra Boys is a vivid look into the lives of Koby Abberton and the infamous Bra Boys surf gang of Maroubra. Part surf flick, part social documentary, Bra Boys is a perfect watch if you are looking for something a little outside the box.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
BMX Bandits (1983)
This one may be pushing the limits of a โsportsโ movie but the film that brought Nicole Kidman to the masses is definitely one to watch. Featuring many BMX stunts and a cheesy 80โs soundtrack, watching BMX Bandits is like opening a time capsule from the 80โs.
Where to watch: Google Play Movies
