Few things capture the spirit of Australian sport like a fierce rivalry that stretches across decades, shaped by history, geography, class and culture. From tribal AFL contests to the brutal clashes of rugby league, rivalries bring out the best (and sometimes the worst) in players and fans alike. In this blog post, Savvy Supporter takes a look at three of the biggest rivalries that continue to define Australian sport

 

#1 – South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Sydney Roosters

The rivalry between the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs is the oldest and most bitter in rugby league, dating back to the very birth of the game in Australia. Both clubs were foundation members of the NSW Rugby League in 1908 and quickly became dominant forces. Their close proximity as neighbours and both teams' success created a natural rivalry that intensified over the decades. South Sydney has always been seen as the gritty, working-class team representing Redfern, Alexandria and Waterloo, while the Roosters embody the wealthier and more polished Eastern Suburbs. This class clash remains a defining feature whenever they meet. Souths supporters are known for their fierce loyalty, famously rallying when the club was excluded from the competition in 2000. Roosters fans, meanwhile, carry a reputation for confidence and polish that infuriates their rivals.

 

On the field, the two clubs have delivered some of rugby league’s most memorable (and brutal) moments. Souths dominated the early 20th century with a record 21 premierships. The Roosters had strong periods of dominance, particularly in the 1970s and 2000s. The rivalry reached boiling point in 2014 when Souths defeated the Roosters in a fiery preliminary final before breaking their 43-year premiership drought and winning the Premiership that year.

 

Player movements between clubs have always added fuel to the fire and deepened the sense of betrayal amongst fans, including Ron Coote and Craig Wing in the past, and more recently Luke Keary and Latrell Mitchell. Famous cases of “defection” often become turning points that fuel long-term bitterness between fan bases, and it is one of the many reasons which will go down in The Book of Feuds between these two clubs.

 

Every battle between these two teams is a battle for pride and history. For players and fans alike, victory over their oldest enemy means more than any other win on the calendar.

 

#2 – Collingwood vs. Carlton

The rivalry between Collingwood and Carlton is the most iconic and fiercely contested in AFL history, deeply rooted in over a century of sporting battles. For many Victorians, this isn’t just football; it’s tribal warfare.

 

Both clubs are AFL heavyweights, each boasting 16 premierships as of 2025. Carlton, historically tied to blue-collar roots but with strong links to money and power, has long been seen as slick and politically savvy. Collingwood, born from Melbourne’s tough working-class suburbs, is defined by grit, passion and a battler’s spirit. This cultural divide adds emotional weight to every contest.

 

The rivalry has produced some of the game’s greatest theatre, regularly drawing 80,000+ fans to the MCG regardless of ladder positions. Their Grand Final meetings are etched in footy folklore, including the brutal 1910 decider, the miraculous 1970 Carlton comeback from 44 points down, and the heartbreaking Collingwood defeats in 1979 and 1981. Every clash is another chapter in a story that spans generations, with pride and legacy on the line.

 

When Collingwood plays Carlton, it’s never “just another game.” It’s a fight for supremacy, and an occasion that grips the AFL world.

 

#3 – Queensland vs. New South Wales

The State of Origin rivalry between Queensland and New South Wales is the fiercest in rugby league. More than just football, it’s a contest of identity, state pride and loyalty, summed up perfectly by the famous phrase: “State against State. Mate against Mate”.

 

Before 1980, interstate contests were one-sided, with NSW dominating thanks to Queensland’s best players moving south for professional opportunities. The introduction of “Origin” selection, based on where players first played senior football, transformed the contest overnight.

 

The Origin series has since become rugby league’s grandest stage. The NSW Blues are often viewed as the powerhouse, with more resources and a larger player pool, while the QLD Maroons embody the underdog spirit, driven by an “us vs. them” mentality that has produced some of the most heroic performances in sporting history.

 

The games are brutally physical, emotionally charged and deeply symbolic. Players cry when selected, while fans roar for their state. For many Australians, nothing in sport compares to the pride of seeing their state triumph over its greatest rival.

 

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