Odd Friday Lunch – Feb 3: David Rhys-Jones

Enjoy the company of David Rhys-Jones (and Perce) this Friday at the North Fitzroy Arms first Odd Friday Lunch for 2017.

Almanac Footy History: No Umpires in this Game. The Victorian Football League during two World Wars

They might be retirees but Brice Coe and Bruce Kennedy have become keen historians over the last decade and have written and published a number of books on the Geelong Football Club and now this one on the VFL during World War I and World War II. [I have a review copy for any one who is interested – [email protected]

Become an Almanac member in 2017

Help keep the Almanac going by becoming a member.
The Jack Dyer Good Ordinary Membership
The K.D. Walters Gadabouts’ Membership
The John Wren Business Membership

Cam Hooke’s Collingwood Everything

Cam Hooke’s first (comprehensive) look at the world of 2017 through the lens of Collingwood. One for the faithful.

Almanac Spelling: The top ten phonetic spellings from a prep student in 2016 (all from Evie aged 5)

You have to love the creative five year old mind.

Almanac Darts: World Championships Final is on right now – MVG v Anderson

This should be a cracker. MVG was phenomenal (hos own word) yesterday v Barney, and Anderson won’t go down without a fight.

Champions All: Have a look at this video montage of players explaining what Matt Zurbo’s book is about

Classic short video which includes Francis Bourke, Joe Misiti, Leo Barry, and Lazar Vidovic (classic) talking about Matt Zurbo’s book Champions All. Who better to explain what this book is about! Thanks to Mike Wilson.

Welcoming Deakin University to the Almanac

We announce Deakin University, who sponsored the launch of The Doggies Almanac 2016, as a sponsor of The Footy Almanac 2016 (to be published in March, 2017). We will be providing opportunities for Deakin University students across all elements of the Almanac project. Read more about what’s happening.

Balcony Banter: Calling all MCC members who would like to write a report on the Boxing Day Test

If you’re an MCC Member and would like to write a report on one of the days of the Boxing Day Test please let us know.

Christmas Offer Number 2: The Doggies Almanac and Play On

This is an ideal gift for those who love sport and love good sports stories.

Martin Flanagan on Matt Zurbo (from The Age)

Martin Flanagan’s recent column from The Age on Almanac favourite, Matt Zurbo. Matt’s book Champions All is out now.

The Doggies Almanac 2016: a Story of the Year of Wonders, The Year of the Dog

Ian Swan receives a mysterious parcel from a friend. It contains The Doggies Almanac. Here’s his own Doggies story (with thanks to Spider Phillips) – and a little more about great days of Hallora-Strzlecki in the Ellinbank District League. [This is what footy’s about – Ed]

Almanac Party: The Doggies Almanac launch and end of year drinks (Dec 14)

Wednesday Dec 14 at the North Fitzroy Arms. Come and celebrate with the Almanac crew (and Perc). The tradition of launch parties continues.

The contents page from The Doggies Almanac

This is the contents page taken directly from The Doggies Almanac – which is out now. [John Harms is adding info about pieces in the comments – Ed]

Luke Beveridge, the Bulldogs faithful, and Play On

Footy means so much to so many. Just ask a Doggies supporter. In his book Play On (from the Loose Men Everywhere section) John Harms considered why. Luke Beveridge read an extract from Play On at the club celebrations last night. Here’s what the much-loved coach read.

Odd Friday Lunch with Stacky (Dec 9)

Have lunch with Stacky at the North Fitzroy Arms on Friday December 9.

Almanac Books: Footy Grounds to Grandstands: Play, Community and the Australian Football League (by Sam Duncan)

Sam Duncan has turned his PhD thesis into a book. You are invited to the launch on Dec 11. [Congratulations Sam – JTH]

Almanac Footy Poetry: “Manacunna,” by Ian Bland

We’re lucky today at the Almanac to share the poetry of Ian Bland. Check out this rollicking tale of Manacunna.
“The town of Manacunna, in the far west of the state
Had, outside of football, little cause to celebrate…”

Would you like to write a book review? I have a couple of good ones up for grabs.

We’ve got a couple of excellent books to hand over to reviewers.

MCG Memories – The 1956 Olympics

This week is the 60th anniversary of the start of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Ann Rusden tells about going along to watch, not knowing she would later be friends with one of the athletes in action.