Almanac Book Review – The Norm Smith Medallists: The Players Who Delivered On Football’s Grandest Stage

If only a team could be made up of Norm Smith Medallists what a team it would be! Chris Michaels reviews a new book of such players.

Round 23 – Port Adelaide v Essendon: Port’s season ends with a whimper. How the weight of success can sometimes harm not help a club.

Port Adelaide’s fall from grace in season 2018 reached a new low last night in Adelaide as Essendon, a side who also won’t be competing for flag glory this year, gave Port a lesson in hard work and team football according to Chris Michaels.

Round 20 – Adelaide v Port Adelaide: Port pipped at the post in a Showdown thriller

Capping off an outrageous two days of footy, the Showdown was one for the ages. Chris Michaels has some observations.

Round 15 – Carlton v Port Adelaide: Port spoils 300 game milestone; remembering another

Chris Michaels interrupts his take on Port Adelaide’s win over Carlton to pen a love letter to the durable, elite and multi-talented Craig Bradley

Round 12 – Port Adelaide v Richmond: Port’s defence leading the way in their quest for flag glory

Chris Michaels sees foundations being built at Alberton. Could this Friday night victory in June show us the path to a Port Adelaide flag?

Almanac Champions’ League: Liverpool and their long and winding road

In the lead up to tomorrow morning’s Champions League Final, Chris Michaels takes us through Liverpool’s involvement – and success – in this competition.

Round 9 – Port Adelaide v Gold Coast: Port’s China Syndrome

Chris Michaels sees the benefits for Port Adelaide playing in China, both on and off the field.

Round 8 – Port Adelaide v Adelaide: A Showdown for the Ages Reignites Past and Present Hostilities

Port and Adelaide don’t really get on. Chris Michaels provides the back story to Ken Hinkley’s animated post-victory response.

Round 7 – West Coast v Port Adelaide: Port will learn that only one game can bring salvation

Scars both recent and long-past burn for Chris Michaels; the only cure is to settle the score. Unfortunately for Port Adelaide, the heartbreak of an extra-time finals loss wasn’t enough to kick-start the journey to redemption.

Round 6 – North Melbourne v Port Adelaide: Port’s persist against the odd for stirring victory

In real danger of falling off the pack, Port Adelaide responded to internal and external challenges by posting a solid win over North Melbourne, as Chris Michaels explains

Round 5 – Port Adelaide v Geelong: Apathy on the field leads to apathy off it, and the death of the bump

For Chris Michaels, the reaction to Lindsay Thomas’ bump on Scott Selwood was overwrought – unlike the reaction of the Port faithful, who were decidedly disengaged compared to their Footy Park days

Almanac Music: Dire Straits Inducted Into Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame

Over the weekend just passed, rock band Dire Straits were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland, but their creative maestro wasn’t there to accept it. Chris Michaels revisits the great band’s history to put the pieces together about why he stayed away.

Round 4 – Essendon v Port Adelaide: The ruck stops here

The Bombers were back, but a former Don is still missing for Port. Without Paddy Ryder or any viable backup, a rethink of the ruck is needed according to Chris Michaels

Round 3 – Port Adelaide v Brisbane: Like Old Times

Chris Michaels remembers some classic games between Port and Brisbane and is enthused by the direction the two clubs are heading in.

Round 2 – Sydney v Port Adelaide: Leadership at the core of Port’s impressive SCG victory

It’s a team game, but sometimes special players both enhance and surpass collective efforts. Port Adelaide had not one but two of them at the SCG, putting a smile on Chris Michaels’ face.

Round 1 – Port Adelaide v Fremantle: Welcome back football, my old friend.

Chris Michaels has bought into the potential of this Port Adelaide side, who were a class above Fremantle. Could it be the start of something special in 2018?

Almanac Book Review: Born To Run – Bruce Springsteen

Chris Michaels reviews the Springsteen autobiography, Born to Run.

Almanac Book Review – Comeback: The Fall And Rise Of Geelong (James Button)

Chris Michaels reviews James Button’s recently released book, looking at the fall and rise of the Geelong Football Club.

Almanac Book Review – Quentin: Not All Superheroes Wear Capes by Quentin Kenihan

Chris Michaels brings us this review of Quentin Kenihan’s story. It “is a timely reminder about courage and determination; that’s three-o’clock-in-the-morning type of courage that few of us possess.”

Almanac Book Review: All This In 60 Minutes – Nick Lee (Allen & Unwin – $32.99)

A hard hitting review of ’60 Minutes’ cameraman Nick Lee’s new book, “All This In 60 Seconds”, from Chris Michaels.