Almanac Tribute: Rulebook’s tribute to Fred ‘Chocka’ Bloch

At the funeral of Dr Fred ‘Chocka’ Bloch OAM, Malcolm Ashwood gave a fitting tribute to a much admired and respected person who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

A Tribute to Fred ‘Chocka’ Bloch

Sadly, Fred ‘Chocka’ Bloch died this morning (July 24, 2023). In respect of a life superbly lived, we reprise Rulebook’s tribute to him:

Fred ‘Chocka’ Bloch (OAM) is an Adelaide University Football Club institution. In fact, some would argue that he IS the Adelaide University Footy Club. Rulebook Ashwood pays tribute to a man who’s had a considerable influence in his life.

[This is a dead-set Almanac Classic. Well-played Rulebook – Ed]

Almanac (Footy) Profile: Matthew Robran – AKA ‘Son Of’

Malcolm ‘Rulebook’ Ashwood provides an in depth profile of Matthew Robran, the Adelaide Crows champion and duel premiership player.

Adelaide Uni FC Greys’ Lunch with Neil Balme and Rulebook

Rulebook will be interviewing Neil Balme at a lunch on behalf of the Adelaide University Greys (Past Players) FC in Richmond on the 19 February. He invites all Footy Almanac readers to attend for what should be a wonderful lunch.

Almanac Footy: Tony Francis – Never Take a Backward Step

A standout rover who started (and starred) at Norwood before he won a flag and B&F at the biggest club in the land, Tony Francis is the latest subject of Rulebook’s gaze.

SANFL Grand Final – Norwood v North Adelaide: A Picture Paints a Thousand Words!

Malcolm “Rulebook” Ashwood was out and amongst it celebrating Norwood’s one point win in the SANFL Grand Final.

Wayne Jackson: A life in football

An in-depth look at the life and times of highly respected former AFL CEO Wayne Jackson by Rulebook

Almanac Footy: James ‘Dodge’ Thiessen – A profile by Malcolm ‘Rulebook’ Ashwood

Here is the latest profile from Rulebook featuring former Richmond and Adelaide Crows player, James ‘Dodge’ Thiessen.

KG Cunningham: South Australian Sporting Legend

Rulebook returns with a profile of South Australian legend KG Cunningham, cricketer, footy umpire and broadcaster extraordinaire.

Almanac Cricket: Tim May

Malcolm ‘Rulebook’ Ashwood got in touch with former Test cricketer Tim May. The self-effacing offie shares his life before, during and after cricket.

Almanac Cricket: Darren Lehmann

Malcolm ‘Rulebook’ Ashwood remembers the long and successful career of Darren ‘Boof’ Lehmann.

Almanac Music: ‘Rulebook’s Everywhere’

Footy Almanac stalwart and favourite Malcolm ‘Rulebook’ Ashwood is our everywhere man and his exploits are now in song.

Almanac Footy: David Palm – friendship and footy

Malcolm Ashwood profiles the extensive footy career of David Palm, former Norwood FC, West Perth FC, and Richmond FC player.

Dennis Modra: Norwood’s electrifying pacey wingman

Champion Norwood wingman turned 80 on this week. Malcolm Ashwood profiles the electrifying, pacey wingman from the `60s.

Philip Gallagher: Norwood’s Silky Smooth Mr September

‘Rulebook’ is at it again! In his latest profile, his subject is Philip Gallagher, ‘Gags’, the silky smooth, highly skilled player who always shone brightly in September. But that’s only part of the story.

Almanac (Wheelchair) Footy: SANFL Wheelchair Footy an Overwhelming Success

Malcolm ‘Rulebook’ Ashwood was privileged to commentate matches in the SANFL Wheelchair footy competition in 2021. In this inspiring piece, he outlines the history and characters of the competition.

Keith Thomas: Redlegs champion

‘Rulebook’ is back! After a long absence, by his standards, Malcolm Ashwood returns to the Almanac with a profile of Keith Thomas, a member of the Norwood ‘Team of the Century’.

Balmey

Malcolm “Rulebook” Ashwood profiles Neil Balme – legendary footballer, coach and manager across multiple states and clubs.

The Thoughts of ‘Rulebook’ – Umpiring woes everywhere

Experienced man-in-the-middle Malcolm ‘Rulebook’ Ashwood vents some of his frustrations with the way the modern game is umpired. He’d like to see the whistleblowers take a stand on a few subjects. (A long-awaited rant, Rulebook! – Ed.)

Neil Craig: Elite Performer (Part 2)

Rulebook’s back with Part 2 of Neil Craig’s career – from player to super coach