In 1973, every club in Melbourne wanted to recruit Richard Michalcyzk. Michael Sexton tells the curious tale of how North Melbourne managed to secure his services.
Almanac Cricket: Finding Frank Tarrant under the grape vines
November 9, 2020 by Leave a Comment
With summer here, the sultana grape vines provide Michael Sexton with a wonderful shady backdrop for listening to Test cricket, and for reading. A book he recommends for reading in such a place is Mike Coward’s ‘Cricket’s Forgotten Pioneer: The Frank Tarrant Story’.
Almanac Cricket: Remembering Dean Jones in the Tied Test (an extract from Mike Sexton’s book ‘Border’s Battlers’)
September 25, 2020 by 1 Comment
Dean Jones died in September 2020 while in India, the country where he played (arguably) his greatest innings. We relive this innings and the Madras (now Chennai) tied Test through these two extracts from Mike Sexton’s fine book ‘Border’s Battlers’. Vale Dean Jones.
Neil Sachse: A determined father spreads an important message
August 27, 2020 by 20 Comments
With the passing of Neil Sachse, we revisit this excerpt from Mike Sexton’s book about Neil. This is an introduction to Neil Sachse, the nature of spinal injury, the advances made in understanding and management, and Neil’s foundation. The Almanac extends our condolences to the Sachse family.
Talking to Archie Roach about Sir Doug Nicholls
August 19, 2020 by 10 Comments
With Indigenous Round now renamed in honour of Sir Doug Nicholls, we revisit this 2016 piece from Michael Sexton, as he chats with Archie Roach about Sir Doug’s impact upon aboriginal people.
Almanac Tennis – Wimbledon 2020: Seeing Lew Hoad in a Dream
July 2, 2020 by 7 Comments
Mike Sexton reminds us we’re coming into Wimbledon fortnight. He remembers the cavalier character Lew Hoad.
Almanac Obituaries: Colin Churchett
May 24, 2020 by 11 Comments
Colin Churchett, best known as a post-war Glenelg full forward, passed away in 2012. Mike Sexton paid tribute to him. (Reprised)
The anxious look of a ruckman – the true story of ‘Bub’ Smith
April 24, 2020 by 18 Comments
For Anzac Day, Michael Sexton brings us the story of Stan ‘Bub’ Smith – West Torrens footballer, soldier, club administrator. ‘Smith had every reason to be sour on life and football, but he acted against the darkness and embraced the light the game could provide.’
Almanac Cricket: A Pair of Aces – The Caribbean Bromance of 1973
April 10, 2020 by 27 Comments
Michael Sexton recalls the 1973 Test series between the West Indies and Australia. The role Jeff Hammond and Max Walker played in achieving a series win was vital as Michael explains.
Proof: Why Living in the `70s was the best
June 12, 2018 by 15 Comments
Michael Sexton looks at some comparative studies around the game of the last 50 years thanks to James Coventry and friends – and the results so far are very interesting.
Round 2 – Adelaide v Richmond: Welcome Home Bryce Gibbs
March 31, 2018 by 5 Comments
Michael Sexton remembers Bryce Gibbs as a 17-year-old from Glenelg with a drop punt that made you purr, and a Zen calmness that defied his age, and has watched him with pride in becoming the champion footballer he is today.
Neil Sachse, the Bulldogs, and spinal cord research
November 12, 2017 by 1 Comment
On the eve of the Project Discovery Classic #2, a ride to raise funds for the Neil Sachse Centre – Spinal Cord Research, Michael Sexton gives us some background.
Seeing Ken Farmer
September 27, 2017 by 23 Comments
On Friday evening before the Crows-Swans match a statue of Ken Farmer was unveiled at the northern end of the Adelaide Oval. He is cast in perfect form – roosting the ball through for another goal. It was a dominant pose familiar to football lovers during the Depression. Michael Sexton wonderfully recalls the Bradmanesque career of South Australian goal kicking great, Ken Farmer. [Brilliant story of a son wanting to see his father – JTH] *** 27/9/17 A link to the footage is now available ***
An interview with Herb Henderson
March 9, 2017 by 2 Comments
This is a delightful insight into Footscray 1954 premiership player Herb Henderson from Mike Sexton who caught up with Herb at his home in Millicent (SA) last year.
Hookesy at West Torrens
November 11, 2016 by 10 Comments
Mike Sexton meets Denis Brien, West Torren CC stalwart, and tells the story of a young and emerging David Hookes and a little-known test (legal) case. [Another quintessential M. Sexton yarn – JTH]
Almanac Cricket (and Food): Finding Duleep Mendis in Colonel Light’s Cafe
October 29, 2016 by 7 Comments
In Adelaide’s innovative suburb of Colonel Light Gardens, a new cafe has opened up. It serves Sri Lankan food. It’s owned by the Mendis family. Michael Sexton tells this tale of food and cricket.
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