For the first time in their history, the British and Irish Lions will take to the famous MCG as they look to close out the 2025 series.
But it won’t be the first time for the Wallabies with a long history of international rugby in Australia’s sporting capital.
Super Rugby’s venture into Victoria might not have been overly successful but the national team has had some memorable matches across its three venues.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of those fun and frustrating memories which, let’s be fair in the last 20 years is leaning more towards frustrating.
1997 – The First Bledisloe at the MCG
Over 90,000 people made the trek to Melbourne for the Bledisloe test between Australia and New Zealand.
While the game didn’t quite go Australia’s way, losing 33-18, it did feature a future superstar in Hugh Jackman singing the national anthem.
1998 – Matt Burke 24 def. New Zealand 16
12 months later, the Bledisloe returned to Melbourne and Australia got their revenge on New Zealand with fullback Matt Burke playing a starring role in the victory.
He scored two tries, kicked a conversion and added four penalties for all 24 of Australia’s points as they knocked off a star studded New Zealand side by eight points.
That game kicked off New Zealand’s worst Tri Nations performance, losing four from four that year.
Unfortunately for Australia, two defeats against reigning world champions South Africa meant they would finish runners up in that competition.
2001 – The Lions Get Tamed at Docklands
The 2001 Lions series was going so well prior to this match, having won the first Test in convincing fashion at the Gabba, many were expecting a similar story to unfold at the new Colonial Stadium in Docklands.
The game in Brisbane finished 29-13 and to be fair, it really wasn’t that close with a couple of late consolation tries for Australia minimising the margin.
But it was a different story in the second Test, with Joe Roff playing a starring role in Australia’s 35-14 victory, scoring two tries in front of a sea of gold in the stands.
2003 – The Rugby World Cup Comes to Town
Docklands hosted five games during the Rugby World Cup and there was no shortage of drama and excitement across the board.
Australia wrapped up top spot in their group with a 17-16 win over Ireland, headlined by a rare George Gregan drop goal.
But the highlight from Melbourne in that tournament was without a doubt the heavyweight tussle in the Quarter Final between New Zealand and South Africa.
Carlos Spencer was at the height of his powers in that tournament and dug into his bag of tricks to set up this try in the corner.
2007 – A Bledisloe Stunner at the MCG
By 2007 the Wallabies golden generation was definitively in its sunset years with Stirling Mortlock, George Gregan and Stephen Larkham holding on for one last World Cup
Coached by John Connolly the Aussies looked like they were heading for another defeat against New Zealand, down 15-6 with a quarter of an hour to play.
Tries to Adam Ashley-Cooper and Scott Staniforth turned the game around and Australia recorded a shock five point victory.
Not that it helped bring the Bledisloe back to this side of the Tasman though, New Zealand won the return leg in Auckland three weeks later.
2013 – A Classic Test Against the Lions
Just like 12 years earlier, the Lions won the first meeting in Brisbane (albeit in much closer circumstances) and came to Melbourne looking to close out the series.
But Australia produced a remarkable response to their Game 1 heartbreak, rallying for a 16-15 win with Adam Ashley-Cooper crossing for the game’s only try in the 74th minute.
Christian Lealiifano added 11 points with his boot, but it was a tense finish as the Lions had one last chance to win the game, as Leigh Halfpenny’s late penalty fell short, sending the series to a decider in Sydney.
No need to mention how that one went.
2016 – Eddie’s England in the Honeymoon Phase
Less than 12 months after their embarrassing World Cup exit on home soil, England toured Australia with Eddie Jones at the helm.
Back then Jones was still seen as a master coach, having overseen Japan at the Rugby World Cup and before he entered his caricature phase.
England were dominant in the series, especially at AAMI Park where they held the Aussies at arms length in front of a sellout crowd and help them on the way to a 3-0 series sweep.
2022 – “We Play”
This one still stings looking back on it.
With Australia on the verge of stunning New Zealand under the roof at Marvel Stadium, they just had to grind out the final few minutes.
A penalty awarded deep in Australia’s half would give them a chance to clear their lines but according to French referee Mathieu Raynal, Bernard Foley took too long.
He awarded New Zealand a scrum for the alleged violation and as they so often do, the All Blacks found a way to make the most of their lifeline.
Jordie Barrett crossed for the game winning try as time expired and New Zealand retained the Bledisloe Cup (again).
It’s a real shame that is what the test will be remembered for because it was a great game outside of that.