It’s tough absorbing a Grand Final defeat of some magnitude after all the promise and hope that went before. But what lies at the core of our support? Bloodstainedangel reflects on the season gone and commits to ‘continue to lift that noble banner high, on the ride of our lives’.
Almanac Footy (heartbreak): She was teasing me all along
July 15, 2021 by 7 Comments
Earlier this week, Chris Bracher poured his heart out over his beloved South Melbourne. Now he’s lost her again to the uncertainties of the far north. Oh, the pain!
Brendan
December 17, 2020 by 4 Comments
Brendan Sheehan, a Bloods man through and through as well as a Life Member of both the Footscray Hockey Club and the Victorian Hockey Association, is remembered touchingly and honoured suitably by his friend Chris Bracher.
Of passion and mental scarring
August 24, 2017 by 4 Comments
A terrifying nightmare of the Swans losing the Grand Final to Melbourne startled Chris Bracher.
Almanac Obituary: A Salute to Valerie Mildred Bracher
February 22, 2017 by 5 Comments
A touching tribute to Valerie Mildred Bracher, an Australian Defence Force Corporal, loving daughter, sister and aunty who lived a full life.
Almanac People: The Halloween Swan
October 31, 2016 by 5 Comments
Chris Bracher, aka The Emerald Hill Chronicle has taken Halloween to new depths!
Grand Final 2016: Protocols of the vanquished
October 5, 2016 by 3 Comments
The Emerald Hill Chronicler is sick of writing with an ache in his heart. But write he does. He wonders: what should the vanquished do on grand final night.
Finals Week 1 – Sydney v Greater Western Sydney: The hot house flowers
September 15, 2016 by 2 Comments
Bloodstainedangel writes about the difficulty in accepting the Swans miserable weekend as good for football in Sydney, especially when emotional bruising is involved.
Through My Father’s Lens
September 5, 2016 by 8 Comments
Bloodstainedangel acknowledges the influence of his father in guiding him with acceptance and empathy for others and with the courage to challenge bigotry.
Round 16 – Geelong v Sydney: The Brotherhood
July 11, 2016 by 2 Comments
Although absent from the Sydney Brotherhood at a hostile Kardinia Park, the bloodstainedangel enjoys the Swans’ victory from afar.
Finals Week 2 – Sydney v North Melbourne: Relief
September 22, 2015 by 2 Comments
Chris Bracher keeps his eyes on the bigger picture, despite the fog of a semi final defeat.
Round 20 – Sydney v Collingwood: I’m just wild about Harry
August 19, 2015 by 5 Comments
Road Trip. Family Bracher head up the Hume to see their Swans (and especially Harry Cunningham), and trudge with a win under their belt. [Super expose of the family car sojourn with references to many places you’ll know – JTH]
Stawell Gift: I won it for Dad
April 7, 2015 by 6 Comments
Chris Bracher, a regular visitor to the Stawell Gift, did not attend this year. He was a little underwhelmed generally – until 15 year old Grace O’Dwyer (from the famous O’Dwyer family) won the women’s Gift. Read why it was such a heartfelt moment for Chris.
AFL Grand Final – Sydney v Hawthorn: United in Despair
September 29, 2014 by 1 Comment
Swans tragic Chris Bracher revisits his family’s experience of sharing and caring on Grand Final day. For better; for worse; for richer; for poorer; in sickness and in health.
AFL Qualifying Final – Sydney v Fremantle: Captain Kirk’s homecoming
September 8, 2014 by 8 Comments
Chris Bracher journeyed to Homebush to see his Swans take on the Dockers in a Qualifying Final. He doesn’t think Brett Kirk looks right in purple – or glasses.
Merv
June 8, 2013 by 4 Comments
Chris Bracher’s classic memoir about the late Merv Neagle and a kid called Eldridge and his much-loved Sherrin.
Dizzy
April 3, 2013 by 5 Comments
Chris Bracher was rapt to spot Allan “Dizzy” Lynch; a legend of pro Aths and the mighty Geelong West Roosters.
Our land of plenty
July 17, 2012 by 3 Comments
Our land of plenty, a faraway zone That lodged in the mind of this schoolboy at home O’er the horizon and far from my gaze But a hot-bed of promise even in Bloods bad old days The Farrer League clubs carried names full of song There was Culcairn , Coolamon and Grong Grong Matong [Read more]
Almanac Football History: A letter to Tom
The Emerald Hill Chronicle returns to profess a deep and undying love rekindled by a timeless red ‘V’ on white worn by a victorious Swans side.