Historian Geoffrey Blainey has had rich experiences with Australian mining, society and football. This story is from the anthology ‘Gravel & Mud’, a wonderful look into how western Tasmania approached its footy, from conditions to crowds to players.
Search Results for: Gravel & Mud
Gravel & Mud: Martin Flanagan’s introduction
July 21, 2021 by 7 Comments
Martin Flanagan recalls life on the West Coast of Tasmania with its places, and characters and its distinctive footy. This piece of fine story-telling is the introduction to Gravel & Mud, an anthology put together by Tony Newport and the Carswell brothers Chris and John.
Gravel & Mud: Chris Fagan’s Preface
July 17, 2021 by 1 Comment
As you will see over the coming days, as the Almanac publishes this series of extracts, Gravel & Mud is full of wonderful yarns.
Almanac Books: Introducing Gravel & Mud – An Anthology of Football in the Mountains of Western Tasmania
July 15, 2021 by 1 Comment
Tony Newport, John Carswell and Chris Carswell have compiled a classic anthology of footy stories from the west coast of Tasmania. Here’s some info about the book. Look out for some stories from the book to be published here in the coming days. [A ripper – JTH]
In Praise of Mud
August 22, 2018 by 8 Comments
Dave Brown reports on a muddy late season away game of U/10s at Elizabeth’s Argana Park, the Eagles’ home of no grass roots footy. The kids loved it.
Almanac (Working) Life: PNG
July 7, 2026 by 2 Comments
Pestwac recalls going to work in PNG with an idea that he would become a patrol officer, but he became everything.
Almanac (Footy) Memoir: Skin in the game
May 6, 2026 by 3 Comments
In this engaging memoir, Tony Newport remembers Jack Pollard’s ‘High Mark’ a book of his Tasmanian childhood. [Terrific – Ed]
Almanac Life: Returning – Dips retraces the Irish footsteps of his great-grandmother
March 17, 2026 by 10 Comments
Dips O’Donnell retraces his Irish heritage in the diary and footsteps of his great grandmother during his trip to Ireland many years ago. A cracking read to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
Almanac Literary: An extract from Kelvin Templeton’s ‘Collision’
November 12, 2025 by Leave a Comment
In this extract from Kelvin Templeton’s debut novel ‘Collision’- the Prologue and the first two chapters – we are introduced to a gifted and determined young footballer, Joshua Shamrock, whose talent and interest in the game (and its complexities) make him the hope of the Footscray side in 1975. We also meet Faye. But what of the flashback to 1957?
Almanac Footy: Harry
September 12, 2025 by 5 Comments
The footy season is over for Otway Districts but not for the Old Dog as the chance for a kick of the footy is too good to refuse.
The Long and Winding Ride: Episode 9 – Gapsted to Milawa: Shiraz Mondeuse and Cabernet
July 2, 2025 by 1 Comment
Peter Clark continues his informative and entertaining travelogue on ‘The Long and Winding Ride’ through the Ovens and King Valleys. This episode Peter rides from Gapsted to Milawa enjoying some nice wines and food along the way.
Almanac Footy: Pride – Otway Districts FC 125th Year Celebrations Saturday 26 April
April 25, 2025 by 5 Comments
Otway Districts FNC is celebrating 125 years of football in the ranges this Saturday. It will be huge! Past players coming from everywhere. In honour of the occasion, Old Dog takes the time to talk to one of its best ever, his former teammate, Sammy Harriott, about what it means to play for the mighty Demons.
Almanac Poetry: ‘Every Detail’ – Tommy Mallet
September 29, 2023 by Leave a Comment
An unplanned trip to the beach, a swim with his daughter, a time of reflection, and chatting with mates are all detailed in Tommy Mallet’s poem ‘Every Detail’.
Almanac Footy Memoir: Last of the Royboys
March 15, 2023 by 4 Comments
Paul Harman makes quite a splash with his debut piece. Settle down with a quiet one as you ready yourself for the start of the season and enjoy this memoir in which he explains how he came to barrack for the Roys.
Almanac Footy History – Jim Dorgan: The Dashing Defender of the Lake Oval
December 6, 2022 by 6 Comments
Roger Spaull presents an in-depth and fascinating profile of former South Melbourne FC great, Jim Dorgan.
Almanac Poetry: Miner Poets – ABC Radio National ‘History Listen’
August 20, 2021 by Leave a Comment
‘Miner Poets’ is an ABC Radio National ‘History Listen’ program examining the songs and verse from the mining communities of west coast Tasmania.
Almanac Poetry: ‘The Irish Girl’ Part 1 – Tommy Mallet
June 29, 2021 by 3 Comments
Tommy Mallet has written an epic poem in three major parts telling the tale of a relationship and all its many vicissitudes. Enjoy Part 1 of ‘The Irish Girl’. [Editor’s warning: mature themes are contained in the poem]
Recent Comments