AFL Grand Final: Two old guys banish our demons

Sean Mortell is consumed by thought as he walks from the city to the MCG on Grand Final day. He describes the tense Grand Final and his response to it. This is a piece for those who love the game and the premiership quest, especially those of the black and white.

The Ashes 2021/22 – Third Test, Melbourne Day 1: Not traditional, but all the better for Australia

It was a commanding day for the Aussie team as the English batters once again failed on Day 1 of the Ashes Boxing Day Test reports Sean Mortell.

The Ashes 2019 – First Test, Day 1: Celebrating Smith and a history-defining knock

With the First Test now a week away, we reprise Sean Mortell’s review of Steve Smith’s stunning, match-changing innings on Day 1 of the Edgbaston Test of the 2019 Ashes series.

Winning in Wyche – Part 4: Shaking up the finals

Sean Mortell continues his series on the Wycheproof Under 16s of 1969 with this account of the Grand Final.

Almanac Rugby League – State of Origin Game III Review: Consolation for Queensland but challenges ahead

Almanac editor Sean Mortell, holidaying in Far North Queensland, offers his thoughts on Origin III and the 2021 series as a whole.

Winning in Wyche – Part 3: Pressure unearths diamonds

It’s 1969. Despite some injury woes, Wycheproof-Narraport have put together a handy Under 16 footy team. However, the League seems to have a wealth of talented young players across some very good junior sides. Sean Mortell gives us the next installment of a memorable season up the bush.

Round 13 – Melbourne v Collingwood: A heart-breaking/ warming finale

In an emotional edition of the annual Big Freeze on Queens Birthday, Sean Mortell breaks down the final chapter of Nathan Buckley’s coaching career at Collingwood.

Almanac Footy: The tragedy of Bucks, a Collingwood life riddled with injustice and adoration

Sean Mortell remembers Nathan Buckley’s Collingwood highs and lows.

Round 10 – Collingwood v Port Adelaide: Getting used to the hurt

For Sean Mortell getting used to the losing feeling is tough as Collingwood loses another game, this time by a point against the Power.

Almanac NFL: Julian Edelman – the perfect big game player

Originally considered too short, frequently injured, Julian Edelman turned himself into a versatile match winner for the New England Patriots. As Edelman announces his retirement, Sean Mortell recounts a storied career.

Round 4 – Collingwood v GWS: Weary bones refuse to work in chilly conditions

Icy conditions descended on the MCG on Saturday night and it was the Giants who handled them better. Sean Mortell explains how the visitors dismantled the Pies game.

Winning in Wyche – Part 2: Combining to survive

Sean Mortell continues his series on footy in Wycheproof way back when. In Part 2 he explains the origins of The Combine and introduces some charcters who go on to make a name for themselves in Wyche and in footy.

Winning in Wyche – Part 1: Growing up in the shadows of a mini landmark

Sean Mortell begins his search for the story of one of Wycheproof’s finest moments: the Under 16 premiership of 1969. [This series is going to be a cracker – JTH]

Almanac Cricket: Getting out of jail – Lower Eltham’s relegation fight

Sean Mortell is a member of Lower Eltham’s first XI team in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association. He has the crazy tale of a rollercoaster season that ended in Lower Eltham fighting to avoid relegation in order to keep a proud tradition alive on the final weekend of matches.

Almanac Tennis: Are Stefanos and Naomi the new faces of tennis?

The Australian Open, against all odds, has continued to power on over the last fortnight. With only three games left in the main draw, both sides hold a chance of changing the guard of world tennis.

Almanac NFL: Tampa Bay – a town and team enduring through all crises

It has been a long road for Tampa Bay to win their second Super Bowl. Sean Mortell looks at the history of the city, and its most famous sporting franchise.

Almanac Football: Collingwood’s darkest day sums up a horror off-season

Sean Mortell casts his thoughts over Collingwood’s day of racial reckoning when the club was found to be systemically racist.

Almanac Cricket – Border-Gavaskar Trophy series review: A special effort disrupts Australia’s cricketing peace

Sean Mortell reviews a Border-Gavaskar Trophy series which began as a disaster for the visitors, only to see them triumph in the end.

Australia v India – The Gabba Test: A scene for history to be changed for the better

Sean Mortell recaps a fascinating Fourth Test in Briabane.

Australia v India – Third Test, Review: A stunning third act marred by upsetting issues

Sean Mortell presents his review of the 3rd Test between Australia and India which resulted in a match saving draw by India after a fascinating Day 5.