Richard Griffiths was Development Officer, Recruiting Manager and Football Manager of the Melbourne FC from 1988 to 1996. In Part 1 of his Recollections and Reflections he looks at some of the players recruited to the club during his time there, in particular David Schwarz and David Neitz.
Almanac Footy: The Melbourne Football Club – Recollections and Reflections (Part 1)
May 15, 2026 by 2 Comments
Almanac (Footy) Memoir: Hudson and McKenna, Round 21 1973 at VFL Park – a day I will never forget
May 11, 2026 by 2 Comments
Richard Griffiths recalls the remarkable events at VFL Park in Round 21, 1973.
Round 9 – GWS v Essendon: GIANTS Snatch Victory from Jaws of Defeat
May 10, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Like many Giants’ supporters, Richard Griffiths was relieved his team eventually overcame a spirited Bombers to win by 14 points in their Round 9 clash in Sydney.
Almanac Footy: A Letter to the AFL Commission
May 8, 2026 by 1 Comment
Richard Griffiths applies his expertise and experience from within the AFL system to presents some thoughts with regards to the direction of football in Western Sydney, and in particular the GWS Giants.
Round 8 – GC17 v Team GWS: The Expansion Cup
May 4, 2026 by 1 Comment
In the wake of the latest edition of the Expansion Cup, Richard Griffiths entails the path that led us to this clash, including being on the scene while the 17th AFL club was being set up.
Almanac Footy: Auskick, the whiteboard and Watergate
May 3, 2026 by 1 Comment
An Auskick parent sharing a copy of a whiteboard image taken in the Brisbane rooms at Marvel Stadium has gone viral and created a degree of controversy. Richard Griffiths presents his take on the issue.
Round 8 – Collingwood v Hawthorn: A draw – it’s like kissing your sister!
May 1, 2026 by 4 Comments
If the AFL Grand Final winner must be decided on the day of the match then Home and Away matches should also be determined in the same manner. Richard Griffiths highlights this anomaly in AFL decision making – a draw is too much like kissing your sister he suggests!
Round 7 – GWS v North Melbourne: Giants hold on to honour Toby in Anzac thriller
April 27, 2026 by Leave a Comment
A day for Giants fans to remember as their talismanic leader, Toby Greene, claimed the club games record and their side a tough fought win over the Roos. Richard Griffiths shares his thoughts.
Almanac Footy: The Stand Rule – and why it’s driving me nuts!
April 26, 2026 by 4 Comments
Richard Griffiths is infuriated by the Stand Rule. And he asks, who exactly is the man on the mark?
Almanac Music: A Ruddy Good Idea!
April 22, 2026 by 5 Comments
Richard Griffiths has come up with a ‘Ruddy good idea’ setting up a tour featuring Mike Rudd of Spectrum fame performing in the Sydney/Canberra area during October. Richard also will be performing in Mike’s backing band. [Congratulations on the initiative Richard – these will be cracking shows! ED.]
Round 6 – Sydney Swans v GWS Giants: Swans prevail in marathon derby
April 18, 2026 by 1 Comment
The lightning-interrupted derby at the SCG allowed Richard Griffiths time to check on the action down at Kardinia Park, and also to marvel at the athletic physique of the son of one of his old rowing mates.
Almanac Footy: The Battle of the Bridge and a Spinal Tap Moment
April 16, 2026 by 7 Comments
Richard Griffiths tells the tale of the cup that wasn’t, the cup that is and all the drama that went on behind the scenes in the lead up to the inaugural Sydney derby.
Almanac Footy: Why are the Cats so despised?
April 9, 2026 by 14 Comments
Richard Griffiths goes all tongue in cheek to explain a growing hatred for Geelong which now ‘borders on matching the intense, long-lasting emotional aversion, deep dislike, contempt and disgust towards the Collingwood Football Club’.
Almanac Footy: Jeff Farmer – The original ‘Wizard’
April 8, 2026 by 4 Comments
Nick Watson’s wizardary in a recent match reminded Richard Griffiths of the original ‘Wizard’, Jeff Farmer who Richard helped to recruit to Melbourne FC.
Round 3 – Collingwood v GWS: No surprises at Marvel
March 30, 2026 by 1 Comment
Richard Griffiths was unable make the match with the Giants playing Collingwood at Marvel on Friday night. Thunderstorms and high winds delayed his flight from Sydney, but his nephew’s wedding on Saturday atoned for the disappointment of the missed match.
Almanac Footy: A Giant Headache!
March 25, 2026 by 7 Comments
Richard Griffiths presents his take on the Giants crowd numbers which is proving to be a real headache for the Club and the AFL.
Almanac Footy: Our Glorious Game!
Good mates, Richard Griffiths and Murray Bird, both once at the heart of AFL footy, have spent much time collaborating around some of the current annoyances attached to this great game of ours, and present their thoughts for readers’ consideration.