Almanac Lunches: The Almanac Tip the Top 8 Grand Final Eve Lunch 2025

 

 

John Harms – last minute preparations

 

The Almanac Tip the Top 8 Grand Final Eve Lunch once again was another cracking show. Enjoyed by a sold out crowd of footy enthusiasts it was ably directed and held together by the indomitable John Harms with his inimitable wit, charm and style.

 

We had comedians, weathermen, doctors, MCG attendants, professors, artists, authors, ex-footballers, barristers, the unemployed, musos, the retired, farmers, ex-garbos, Paddy Dangerfield’s grandfather, world record holders, and everything else in between, you name they were there – an eclectic mix to say the least!

 

We joined in, we laughed and smiled, perhaps a tear or two was shed, we raised our glasses, and even lowered our heads in prayer as the Footy Almanac community celebrated ‘sport – write from the heart’.

 

Dave Clerehan and John Zito

 

A smiling Swish Schwerdt

 

Luke Reynolds and Sal Ciardulli

 

Andrew Fithall and Dips O’Donnell

 

It was fabulous to catch up with fellow Almanackers, Dave and John, Dips, Swish, Luke, ER, Citrus Bob, Flynny, Allan B, Peter F, just to name a few. Unfortunately there is never enough time to get around and speak to everyone you wish to.

 

Matt Quartermaine commences his ‘rant’.

 

Matty Quartermaine with his now traditional ‘footy rant’ bounced the ball and had us nodding in acknowledgement as we laughed, even cringed at times as he pinpointed highlights and lowlights from the 2025 season.

 

Damian Bourke

 

Former Cats’ captain Damian Bourke provided a wonderful insight into his time at Geelong. Of great interest were his comments about the interactions between Gary Ablett Snr, the coach and fellow players. Skill and ability overrides all else!

 

Murray Bird holding his published tome.

 

Murray Bird, now a regular fixture spoke about his recent book about the history of footy in Queensland, his time as an AFL/VFL umpire especially the controversy surrounding that match when Greg Williams missed out on votes and a possible Brownlow Medal. Spellbinding!

 

Ben Robbins and ER (David Wilson)

 

As often is the case, John Harms has the knack of spotting a likely prospect in the audience and dragging them up on stage for an impromptu interview, and this happened with Ben Robbins who was sitting opposite me at lunch. I wasn’t aware of Ben’s background before John’s interview with him. Ben played nearly 100 games with Brisbane and North Melbourne and provided a fascinating insight into the development of the Lions into a powerhouse but that wasn’t reason John had him on stage. We soon discovered Ben currently is employed by the Essendon FC as a psychologist, and everyone’s ears immediately pricked up and thought ‘a-ha’ we’d hear the latest goss happening in Bomberland. John’s probing questions about Bombers were professionally played and passed through to the keeper by Ben.

 

Weathermen Brett Dutschke and ER debating the weather

 

Dylan told us ‘you don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows’ but we do. We had two weathermen!  ER (David Wilson) from the BOM, and Brett Dutschke from a commercial weather information provider forecasting match day weather from their organisations perspective with humour, even drollness, in a very informative and entertaining manner. Zac Bailey should have taken note about the advice given for kicking for goal, and the effect of the specific wind fluctuations!

 

Simon Minahan

 

Simon Minahan gave an absorbing overview of the meaning of grace before we tucked into our meal.

 

 

Wayne and Wendy Harris

 

Wayne and Wendy, parents of Harris Andrews spoke proudly of their son’s formative years and the development of his footy career with their insightful responses to John’s probing questions.

 

Australian Olympian Andris Blicavs, father of Mark

 

Andris Blicavs, father of Geelong’s Mark provided a detailed background of Mark’s sporting development within a very sporting family. Both Mark’s parents represented Australia at the highest levels in their sports. With his pedigree it is no wonder Mark has been such a superb athlete and footballer for Geelong.

 

Between speeches there were raffles and auctions all raising funds for the Footy Almanac.

 

Unfortunately I had leave before the show was over to catch the 5.03pm train to Colac. Once again it was a ripper of an afternoon.

 

 

 

More from Col Ritchie can be read Here

 

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