Almanac Lunches: Mark Bolton, ‘Ladder’, and the Bombers for lunch

Dips O’Donnell

 

The Footy Almanac faithful gathered at the All Nations Hotel in Richmond to celebrate the launch of the AFL season 2026.

 

John Harms chatting Ray Wilson (Hawthorn premiership player) and Mark Bolton

 

Our special guest speaker was Mark Bolton, former Essendon footballer, who was the founding executive director of Ladder, an organisation helping homeless youth find housing, jobs and pursue meaningful lives. Mark recently returned to Essendon as the club’s Chief Strategy Officer.

 

Smokie Dawson listening intently to Mark Bolton’s words

 

We quickly realised Mark Bolton is a very impressive person, articulating his position with intelligence and integrity, within a social context as well as the footy world. 

 

John Harms led him through the various stages of his sporting career that entailed 124 games with the Bombers, then onto his inspiring career  working with the disadvantaged.

 

Mark’s stories about Kevin Sheedy and many of his former team mates were enlightening, told both with admiration and humility, raising a smile and a nod in appreciation of what was said. I could not help but acknowledge what a wonderful person Mark Bolton is.

 

Wandering Jake sharing a yarn with John Harms

 

As always at such functions John Harms was in his element. Many fab yarns about country footy, well known country families and the competitive nature of those beasts had us in fits of laughter and generated much comment, which of course abides by Chatham House rules!

 

John and Smokie

John chatted with Smokie Dawson about the concept of Stereo Stories and their recent move into the publications of stories from the site into book form. Smokie is one of the authors.

 

As always there was much more chat and yarning back in the bar. 

 

ER (David Wilson) tucking in

 

The lunch was another fantastic and memorable day for Almanackers in attendance, and the Guinness Pie with mash, peas and gravy was hit for many on my table. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More from Col Ritchie can be read Here

 

 

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