Hidden History of the MCG
The National Sports Museum and MCC Library objects and displays you see around the MCG are as diverse and comprehensive as they are representative of the sporting history of this great stadium.
But they’re only the tip of the iceberg, a snapshot of the vast material held in the MCC and National Sports Museum collections.
There are many treasures in the vaults, as it were, and in similar vein there is much of the ground’s history that remains unpublished, a situation entertainingly addressed in a temporary exhibition in the ISS Exhibitions Gallery.
“Hidden History of the MCG” has brought to life the iconic sporting venue like never before. It has revealed stories that have remained untold in our sporting history with a display of historic items, some of which are rarely available for public viewing.
Alongside tales of births and deaths in the stands, visitors can hear about the 1956 Olympic Games and the MCG’s role as a wartime military base.
Recent National Sports Museum visitor, Catherine Eldridge, recalled how her partner’s father, Maurie Ricardo of Wonthaggi, was requisitioned to the MCG during the Second World War by the Royal Australian Air Force.
Stationed in Darwin, Maurie came to Melbourne for a commando course. However, he and fellow RAAF Doug Smith went AWOL. When they were captured, both men were taken to the MCG’s temporary prison – the visiting football team’s room – which was surrounded by cyclone wire. To this day, Mr Ricardo has not been back to the MCG.
Other visitors to the exhibition have shared their memories of the MCG. The museum will collect these anecdotes and some may become part of the permanent collection at the National Sports Museum.
There’s no doubt you’ll find plenty of interest among the many tales told. Click here to read more and to find out how share your own MCG stories.
Hidden History of the MCG
National Sports Museum
Entry is included in general museum admission