As 2023 is about to come to a close, The Roar reflects on the year’s sporting highlights, lowlights, and moments that mattered in Australia and beyond. The year was filled with intense debates, and The Roar is choosing to look back at the biggest sporting feuds of the year—some that came out of nowhere and others that were continuations of long-standing tensions.
The biggest rivalries such as Hamish McLennan vs Peter V’landys began in March when Rugby Australia chair Hamish McLennan made some controversial comments after signing Roosters star Joseph Suaalii. V’landys responded by criticizing Suaalii’s move to rugby. These escalations of criticisms led to V’landys jokingly mocking McLennan after the latter’s ousting.
The feud between Merv Hughes and Piers Morgan erupted after Hughes defended the Australian cricket team against the English contingent’s criticism. Morgan baited Hughes, who eventually labeled him an attention seeker and flog. In another incident, the feud between Mick Malthouse and Craig Kelly came to light when Malthouse walked out on a live interview to avoid sharing a box with the CEO, with whom he has a grudge since 2011.
Former ironwoman Candice Warner defended her husband David Warner against critics in the media, prompting Mitchell Johnson to write a controversial article about her loyalty. Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, has maintained his vehement criticism of VAR, including publicized comments about its flaws and vows to continue the fight against it.
The rivalry between Eugenie Bouchard and Dayana Yastremska came into focus after Bouchard’s social media post, taking a dig at Yastremska. Likewise, the feud between Sam Mitchell and Alastair Clarkson has been ongoing since the latter’s departure as Hawthorn coach.
The rivalry between brothers Andrew Johns and Matthew Johns has been on and off since their younger days, with the latest argument occurring during Matty’s radio segment. The feud between Eddie Jones and Sir Clive Woodward escalated after Jones criticized Woodward’s coaching record, which led to a sharp retort from Woodward about Jones’ return to coaching .
These feuds defined 2023 in the sports arena, with each story highlighting the intense rivalries that fueled the drama in Australia’s sports world and beyond.