My own life, like those of many Australians, would be very different without sporting experiences and relationships. Sport is not unique but, like music, theatre and books, is one of those aspects of social capital which binds us together as human beings.

And in the middle of the Australian winter there is just so much tremendous sport on display around the world as well as on our own sporting fields.

Sports involvement can be extraordinarily broad. My sporting world, as well as attending matches with friends as a spectator, includes a tennis group which has been meeting weekly for more than 25 years, a U3A sports history course, several team and association memberships, a football tipping competition, and an annual social golfing and sports holiday. There is little overlap between these groups. Together, they are the glue which holds together many wonderful friendships.

At its best (and there definitely is a worst) sport brings people together from different walks of life. It is a great leveller, both on the field and in the grandstands, and a great healer of schisms. It often surpasses political allegiances, national rivalries and gender differences. It lifts the spirits of team followers as well as dragging them down to the depths of despair. It can also be a great source of economic advancement and opportunity.

The World Cup final between France and Croatia put on display the pride and joy and "national" fulfilment of those Australians whose heritage or loyalty lay with those countries.

For all the excitement of French fans following their own strikingly multicultural team, the deep meaning for the Croatian community was obvious.

Sport can lift tiny communities – towns, cities and nations – to an unaccustomed height in defeating bigger rivals.

Back in Australia, it is the winter football codes that hold sway. 

My own code is Aussie Rules and both my teams, the Adelaide Crows and the GWS Giants, also disappointing so far this year, were victorious on the weekend. 

But the AFL sporting moments for me to remember came when the Sydney Swans played North Melbourne. One special moment was the debut for the Swans of another young Irishman, Colin O’Riordan, whose parents flew to Australia for the occasion.

The Gaelic football-Aussie Rules connection is often sneered at by other codes, but it is a considerable cross-cultural achievement that expands the horizons and opportunities for both countries.

The second special moment came after the game finished with a narrow Swans victory when the two players of African descent, Aliir Aliir of the Swans and Majak Daw of North Melbourne, were interviewed together. Aliir, Kenyan-born and Daw, Sudanese-born, like so many Indigenous Australian players do in far greater numbers, represent the best in sport: individual achievement against the odds, economic and social inclusion, and successful multiculturalism.

John Warhurst is an Emeritus Professor of Political Science at the Australian National University