Swans fan Craig Dodson and wife Sophie have a rare night out – and head to the MCG.
Round 4 – Fremantle v Sydney: A Swan walked into a South Melbourne bar…
April 27, 2015 by 3 Comments
Craig Dodson could be the archetypal Swans fan – as he explains in this story about his trip to watch the boys at the Rising Sun Hotel in South Melbourne. Born and raised in Wagga, off to see the Swans in Sydney as a kid, uni in Canberra, working in Melbourne, raising kids into the faith. And the Swans nearly turned a slow start around.
The First Kick
April 11, 2015 by 5 Comments
Do you remember your first kick of the footy – in a game; in the backyard or in the lounge room? Craig Down celebrates his 3yo son Jack’s first connection with the leather as witnessed by 3 generations. Priceless.
You Just Can’t Beat a Wool Footy Jumper
March 24, 2015 by 7 Comments
The wool footy jumper is about to make a comeback, reports Craig Dodson, who can’t wait to add a new one to his Sydney Swans/Brad Seymour model from the 1980s.
Cricket returns to Robbo
February 11, 2015 by 1 Comment
Craig Dodson on Robbo, a ground that has seen modern Test cricketers parade before its old eyes.
A Gunn & Moore for all seasons
November 18, 2014 by 13 Comments
Craig Dodson beautifully shares the triumphs and tribulations of life alongside his trusty Gunn & Moore. It’s a special relationship between man and cricket bat.
AFL Grand Final – Sydney v Hawthorn: It was not supposed to be like this
September 29, 2014 by 10 Comments
Craig Dodson mans up (unlike some players) and reports on the melancholy experience of being a Swans supporter at the MCG on Grand Final day.
Be a good parent at the footy please
July 29, 2014 by 7 Comments
What do you do when a parent at the footy is swearing his head off in front of his toddler son? Craig Dodson ponders such behaviour.
AFL Round 14 – Richmond v Sydney: Wagga United
June 23, 2014 by 8 Comments
Chairs and bladders may be shrinking, but the joy of being with old mates keeps growing. Especially at the ‘G where your match reporter, Craig Dodson, lays a bet, farewells the working week, splits his sides laughing and utterly fails to explain why he went dateless to his Year 10 Mount Austin High Formal. Amidst all that, a game of footy occurs.
Footy Jumper: Mangoplah Cookardinia United (The Goannas)
May 27, 2014 by 35 Comments
One day Craig Dodson was talked into playing for the Mangos. He made a career of it. His old woollen jumper brings a smile to his face.
AFL Round 9 – Essendon v Sydney: Two beers and no mate
May 17, 2014 by 8 Comments
Talk of booze, and talk from the boozed, keep the evening interesting as the Swans wallop the Dons.
AFL Round 3 – North Melbourne v Port Adelaide: No Pudding for Dennis
April 8, 2014 by 5 Comments
Neutral Craig Dodson enjoys a competitive game of footy – and Dennis.
Football through the eyes of a father
April 1, 2014 by 8 Comments
Craig Dodson knows the joy of footy with his toddler.
Hooked: the story of a country boy’s first-ever game
February 13, 2014 by 10 Comments
To celebrate the return of footy Craig Dodson tells the story of the first AFL game he saw when, as a kid living in Wagga, he joined his family for the big trip to the SCG.
The power of the Almanac
November 25, 2013 by 24 Comments
Craig Dodson tells the story of his journey with writing for the Almanac. How it has opened up connections, confidence, support and feelings he didn’t think possible.
The quest for a wool footy jumper
November 4, 2013 by 29 Comments
What would cause a Wagga guy to venture into Brighton? All Craig Dodson wanted was an old woollen Swans jumper from the early 90s. It didn’t seem that hard. But six months on, it has turned into an epic quest, encountering great people along the way (and the odd dickhead).
Is it 1985 again?
October 2, 2013 by 6 Comments
Lance Franklin to the Swans? Craig Dodson sees it but he doesn’t believe it. Is Geoffrey Edelsten back in charge?
Stuck in 2012
September 23, 2013 by 7 Comments
Craig Dodson is strangely calm watching his Swans lose a Preliminary Final. Still basking in the rays of 2012 fulfilment, he can afford to be a footy purist. Disappointed rather than distraught, he reflects on how game his Bloods were all season and the prospects for an epic Grand Final.
AFL Finals Week 1 – Hawthorn v Sydney: The cold taste of concrete
September 7, 2013 by 4 Comments
There are bad nights at the footy and then there are shit nights at the footy. Last night was a shit night.
AFL Round 17 – West Coast vs Sydney: A father’s anguish
July 22, 2013 by 7 Comments
Craig Dodson has come through the longest week of his life.
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