Mind and sinew

The founder of sport at the University of Melbourne Professor Martin Howy Irving was, according to Ernest Scott, author of the first history of the University, “a man of mind and sinew”. And vision. Sport at Melbourne was established at Irving’s initiative on the English model beginning with cricket and rowing, but immediately became a leader in local developments through its pioneering role in Australian Rules Football. Over the next century and a half sport at Melbourne has evolved into the broad and inclusive sphere that accommodates both elite and recreational participants in facilities located in and around the heart of the Parkville campus. Shane Cahill reports.