Ron Wells now lives far away from the penetrine and orange slices of yesteryear and wonders why he still cares about grey Melbourne winters and football. On Grand Final day, he contemplates the dreams of players, the lamentations of fans, and the fairytale of one neglected player who lived his dream.
A Past Half Century of Achievement, but. .. International Rules Future Doubts
November 2, 2013 by 1 Comment
Historian Steve Alomes urges sports fans to see the big picture and not dismiss International Rules football, after the disappointment of the recent indigenous team tour to Ireland.
The Footy Almanac 2013 cover art
October 30, 2013 by 30 Comments
This year, The Footy Almanac cover has been painted by Melbourne artist (and Almanac contributor) Kate Birrell who has captured Luke Hodge and his driving left foot. Here’s a bit about Kate, and a bit from Kate, expressing her love of the everyday. (Kate’s original painting is up for auction – Ed)
Footys4all in India
October 29, 2013 by 4 Comments
Dr Nathan Grills is doing extraordinary work as a public health doctor in India. Nathan sent these amazing photos of his team handing out Footys4all balls and bats to schools, slums, orphanages and disability shelters. Read it and weep; and smile; and donate.
Book launch: Aborigines and the ‘Sport of Kings’
October 28, 2013 by 1 Comment
Almanackers are invited to attend the launch of the third edition of Professor John Maynard’s fabulous books about Aboriginal jockeys.
Kane Richardson: does he have Nugget’s polish?
October 27, 2013 by 6 Comments
Peter Argent thinks there is a hint of Keith “Nugget” Miller’s polish about promising young South Australian all-rounder Kane Richardson. Peter’s stunning photo captures the elegance and balance of a classic drive. And he’s wearing whites!
Junior Footy: The Journey Begins
October 25, 2013 by 2 Comments
Wesley Hull’s previous piece introduced us to footy in far North Queensland and the work of the Footys4all Foundation. Now he takes us back to his suburban beginnings with the moth-eaten Magpies.
Footy Almanac Melbourne Cup Eve Lunch to Talk Nags and Pick the Trifecta
October 23, 2013 by 7 Comments
JTH explains the Almanac Melbourne Cup Eve Lunch at the All Nations on Nov 4. Check it out – and bookings are essential.
An Innocent Abroad
October 21, 2013 by 4 Comments
Jason McNeil journeyed down from Brisbane for a sporting weekend. He got both the Cats and the Storm beaten within 24 hours. Harms has had him deported and Dips has withdrawn his passport. Jason is a welcome addition to Almanac ranks.
Footys4all in Africa
October 20, 2013 by 1 Comment
Sunday’s secular sermon is a ripper yarn with great photos. Your footy team lost. So what? Your horse ran last. You expected? Your golf was as bad as mine yesterday. No excuses. It’s time to put a tenner in the plate for the Footys4all Foundation.
All-Indigenous teams should be seen on the world stage
October 20, 2013 by 6 Comments
Sean Gorman offers historical perspective and social context for the Indigenous All-Stars footy team’s current tour of Ireland.
From Waverley with love
October 17, 2013 by 8 Comments
As a teenager Jo Toscano wore a brown parka with a yellow No.3 stuck to the back. She relives her lifelong love of Hawthorn (bring back Waverley!) while watching the Hawks win a cherished flag.
Three-teams footy: a winning experiment
October 11, 2013 by 4 Comments
Three teams. Three sets of goals. Three handles on the trophy. In the most unlikely match report you’ll read all year, Michael Green watches as an art experiment provides a thrilling nail-biter in Horsham and proves a roaring success.
New book “Fandemic” offers another view on footy
October 8, 2013 by 12 Comments
In a new book just out, Phillip Dimitriadis explores the relationship between sports, literature, language and mythology. “Fandemic: Travels in Footy Mythology” expresses the tensions of a passionate sports fan with a keen interest in literature and education. Take a journey of observation and reflection over the complexity and history of sports, especially Australian football.
SANFL Grand Final – Norwood v North Adelaide: Redlegs home easily
October 7, 2013 by 50 Comments
Malcolm Ashwood wraps up the 2014 Grand Final at the last game at Footy Park where a very even Norwood were too good for the Roosters and the umpy had a rather pleasant surprise.
Woops. I forgot to turn up to the second day of a cricket match…
October 7, 2013 by 5 Comments
And Cricket Australia wonders why the faithful are dropping off. The latest on Dave Warner (the Test cricketer).
Cutting Edge Footy: A three team contest at Taylor’s Lakes
October 4, 2013 by 1 Comment
Check out this new concept in footy. You thought the politics of the AFL was intriguing, imagine the on-field politics and relations in this – a contest where three teams are on the ground at the same time.
Dockerland Diagrams
October 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment
They may be disappointed, but these gems from the Dockerland website show that Freo fans have retained their sense of humour.
Suffer the Little Children: KFC and the 2013 Grand Final.
September 30, 2013 by 16 Comments
“To the nearest Kentucky Fried Chicken joint my good man, and don’t spare the horses”.
Kick it Long: John Molony’s foreword to the Keith Miller’s History of the Eastake and Manuka Football Clubs 1926-2012
September 30, 2013 by 3 Comments
John Molony’s fine foreword shows why Kick it Long is well worth the read.
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