Matt Watson recently caught up with former Test umpire Mel Johnson. What emerged was a tale of honesty, humility and admiration. (This is a corker! – Ed.)
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Almanac Footy Life: Billy Duckworth – Dudinin to domination
July 5, 2024 by 6 Comments
Billy Duckworth was one of Essendon’s great players – rough and rugged, an inspiration to his team mates, and a great character of the game. Billy was a part of the Bombers formidable reign as a top team throughout the 80s, including their premiership years in 1984 and 1985. Matt Watson presents an account of Billy’s career.
Almanac Cricket: Muschy – the left-handed adjudicator
January 30, 2023 by 4 Comments
In his enlightening article about the life and times of a cricket umpire, Matt Watson pays tribute to Queenslander Lawrie Musch, a dedicated and popular former member of the umpiring fraternity.
Almanac Footy Tipping (AFLM): And the winners are…
December 21, 2022 by 1 Comment
The results are finalised. Here are all the winners for the Almanac’s AFLM Tipping comp for 2022.
Almanac Footy: First Game
April 6, 2022 by 9 Comments
Taking his boys, Angus and Jim, to their first North Melbourne game, Matt Watson also reflects on the time his dad took him to his first match.
Almanac Footy – The 2021 AFL Grand Final revisited: Hump that coffin up round one more bend
October 28, 2021 by 7 Comments
Ironmike revisits the AFL Grand Final after sorting his way through the wreckage of a 19-point lead that turned into a 74-point disaster in just 45 minutes. (A first rate analysis – Ed.)
Almanac Footy: Jim Krakouer – the magic
January 22, 2021 by 4 Comments
Matt Watson looks back at the career of Jim Krakouer, who with his brother Phil was a trailblazer for indigenous footballers in the VFL of the 1980’s.
Racing: Horses get sick, don’t they? – Part 5
October 28, 2019 by 2 Comments
“The industry just didn’t get it.” Matt Watson’s series on the 2007 equine influenza crisis continues. Despite the belated efforts of the authorities, the equine flu rages on.
Racing: Horses get sick, don’t they? – Part 4
October 21, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Matt Watson’s series on the 2007 outbreak of equine influenza is continued, as the Queensland government struggle to find vaccinations for the vulnerable horses.
Almanac (Australian) Cricket: Beset by crisis because the system is spoiled
January 11, 2019 by 11 Comments
This is the regression we had to have. In ironmike20’s life, Australian cricket has suffered three great crises and rebounded. This crisis is self-inflicted, but a setback is an opportunity for a comeback. The Aussies have done it before and can do it again a passionate Mike claims.
Almanac Cricket: Vaseline and cricket
March 30, 2018 by 5 Comments
Smith, Warner and Bancroft broke a nation’s heart when they broke the spirit of the game. Why cheat? Why destroy everything Test cricket stands for? Why destroy a nation’s psyche? Why try to ruin Test cricket? Ironmike tries to understand why.
Almanac Motor Racing – Bathurst (Part 5): The road trip Home
October 29, 2017 by 3 Comments
The big race is over and IronMike20 makes his way home…
Journalists have the right to resist compulsion to intrude
January 28, 2017 by 17 Comments
Ironmike provides plenty of food for thought about the dilemma facing journalists when preparing an item for publication, particularly the ethical considerations and the implications that may result from that story.
North Melbourne v Carlton: Round 9 ancient history
May 19, 2016 by 7 Comments
Remembering Round 9 1978, Ironmike feels a sense of history repeating itself as the Kangas prepare for the Blues.
The history of Essendon and North Melbourne
May 19, 2015 by 7 Comments
North Melbourne man Ironmike20, has felt the slings and arrows. Check out his memories of a classic rivalry (“I like beating Essendon a lot.”)
Almanac Boxing – Mayweather v Pacquiao: Trying to hit smoke
May 1, 2015 by 2 Comments
Almanac Boxing correspondent Ironmike Matt Watson wants this much-promoted fight to be compelling. We all do. Here’s his preview.
Almanac Motor Racing – Bathurst (Part 4): The road trip Sunday
On a cold and wet Sunday, Ironmike20 continues his Bathurst report about the trials and tribulations of the great race.