The Tsundoku Files: Brave?

Who would open a book shop in this climate? Well, John Butler has; he explains the what/why/hows of the process.

Almanac Footy: The Teague Train – No brakes, only one gear, ran out of rail

John Butler offers his take on the latest Carlton drama.

Round 12 – Carlton v West Coast: Here we go again

Deja vu all over again? Or a genuine quest for answers in place of scapegoats? John Butler considers the Carlton review in the wake of an insipid loss to West Coast.

Round 11 – Sydney v Carlton: Swans show us the way

With this loss to Sydney, John Butler sees Carlton expectations for 2021 are fading fast. Where to from here?

Round 10 – Carlton v Hawthorn: There is merit in struggle

If it takes an ugly struggle to get a win over Hawthorn, then John Butler is all for ugly struggles. And he adds a few thoughts on tribunal matters .

Round 8 – Western Bulldogs v Carlton: When you risk becoming the problem…

Yes, the last quarter was grim. But John Butler has found much of what followed in the days since the game equally frustrating.

Round 6 – Carlton v Brisbane: Three out of four will never do

After a week of criticism, Carlton offered three-quarters of a response. John Butler offers his view on what was missing

Round 5 – Carlton v Port Adelaide: Carltony

After a poor performance from the Carlton club as a whole last Saturday, John Butler is as disappointed as any Blubagger. But he isn’t buying into the subsequent pile-on.

Round 4 – Gold Coast v Carlton: Shoot-out at the So-So Corral

‘In the current push to persuade us that the AFL has resurrected footy with a few rule tweaks, it is unlikely this game will be submitted as evidence for the prosecution.’. John Butler watched his Blues get the job done at Metricon.

Almanac Footy – Carlton 2021: The wildcard season

Ahead of a crucial game against their old rivals, John Butler tries to assess Carlton’s prospects for 2021.

Round 1 – Richmond v Carlton: Seven minutes told the tale

For all Carlton’s efforts on the night, it’s seven minutes that leave John Butler worried.

Almanac Cricket: What is happening with fourth innings in Australia?

Prompted by a tweet from an English statistician, John Butler examines an interesting trend in fourth innings in Australian tests.

Australia v India – Fourth Test: Who will endure?

Australia faltered, whilst India survived. There were many talking points to emerge from Sydney, and much to anticipate in Brisbane. John Butler sets the scene.

Australia v India – Second Test Day 3: India close on a remarkable revival

The Steve Smith symphony is out of tune, and it is leaving Australia’s batting badly exposed. John Butler reports on Day 3 at the MCG, as India closed on a series levelling victory.

Australia v India – Second Test Day 2: Rahane grinds Australia into error

Ajinkya Rahane let his bat do the talking on Day 2 at the MCG. By the end of play he’d decisively won the debate. John Butler reports.

Almanac Cricket: Australia v India 2020-21 – Fingers crossed for a big pay-off

After an off-season dominated by financial arguments, Australia once again takes on India, Covid-19 allowing. John Butler sets the scene.

Round 16 – Carlton v Sydney: Roller coasters can hold our beer

Though the Carlton journey through 2020 has had its queasy moments, John Butler is hanging on for the ride. Tuesday night was rough on the fingernails.

Round 3 – Geelong v Carlton: We’re taking it one citadel at a time

A turning point? Or just lucky? Or both? Whatever your call, John Butler is happy to celebrate Carlton’s first win down at Geelong in a very long time.

The Wisteria Diary – No breadcrumbs will mark this way out

As we start to emerge from lock down, some will say it’s the end of the beginning. John Butler isn’t even that confident.

The Wisteria Diary – Watching the curve

Like all of us, John Butler is watching the curve, wondering where it will lead us.