Smokie surprises his son by making a lightning visit to Hobart, where together they watch North submit to the Giants at Blundstone Arena.
VAFA – Williamstown CYMS: A Great Reaches 200
June 14, 2019 by 4 Comments
In his long association with Williamstown CYMS FC, Smokie has seen many good footballers represent the club. Ben Gray, who plays his 200th match tomorrow, is one of the greatest.
Round 9 – North Melbourne v Sydney: Bigger Losers than Labor
May 23, 2019 by 9 Comments
Smokie argues that North’s loss last Saturday night in Hobart was even worse than that of the ALP in the federal election
Almanac Music – Aussie album review: Sunnyboys’ “Sunnyboys”
April 23, 2019 by 10 Comments
In the ninth of his occasional series revisiting classic Aussie albums, Smokie brings us a classic power-pop record that is a constant reminder of teenage summers.
Balcony Banter Round 3 – Hawthorn v North Melbourne: Roos remain winless, MCG remains timeless
April 10, 2019 by 2 Comments
Almanacker Darren ‘Smokie” Dawson had no trouble finding his sweet spot to view this game. He just wishes he could say the same for his Roos. But a day at the MCG always has its compensations.
Almanac Music – Aussie album review: Midnight Oil “Earth and Sun and Moon”
February 23, 2019 by 5 Comments
In the eighth of his occasional series looking back at iconic Australian albums, Smokie muses on his favourite Oils record.
VAFA Media Awards “Best Online Feature Story” 2018 – Williamstown CYMS AFC: Into The Ammos!
December 13, 2018 by 8 Comments
Great news. Smokie Dawson has won the 2018 VAFA media award for “Best online feature story.” We first published it here in May. The story of Williamstown CYMS AFC; a history of the club’s inception into the VAFA. Here it is.
Australia v India – Adelaide, Day 5: In The End
December 10, 2018 by 16 Comments
The series is not over. But Smokie Dawson reckons Australia’s brittle batting line-up will need to improve markedly.
Sheffield Shield – Victoria v New South Wales: Back to the future
October 31, 2018 by 15 Comments
It’s been a while between innings for Smokie when it comes to watching the Sheffield Shield at the MCG, so when a gap appeared in the covers of life, he slipped in to watch the Vics take on NSW and reminisce.
Almanac Music – Aussie album review: INXS “Shabooh Shoobah”
October 16, 2018 by 8 Comments
Smokie returns to share the seventh in his occasional series of Australian album reviews- this time “Shabooh Shoobah” by INXS.
VAFA Premier C – Williamstown CYMS v Old Geelong Preview: Once in a Lifetime
September 7, 2018 by 5 Comments
The chance to play for a promotion to B Grade, or play for a premiership are opportunities that may never again present themselves claims Smokie. Saturday is a once in a lifetime situation for Williamstown CYMS to not “let the days go by” and to exhort themselves to greater things.
VAFA Premier C – Williamstown CYMS v Fitzroy: Smokie’s Second Semi-Final Preview
August 31, 2018 by 1 Comment
Smokie presents his preview of the VAFA Premier C 2nd Semi-Final.
VAFA Premier C – Williamstown CYMS: What We Deserve
August 24, 2018 by 3 Comments
With one round remaining in C Section, Williamstown CYMS will play Fitzroy on Saturday week for the right to ascend to B Grade. Who “deserves” it? Who “deserves” anything?
VAFA Premier C – Williamstown CYMS v Fitzroy: Smokie’s preview of the big match
August 17, 2018 by 3 Comments
Boorish spectators and the wind across the Fearon can at times get to Smokie but like his beloved Willy boys, he soldiers on. Here are his thoughts for this week.
Round 21 – North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs: Home Truths
August 14, 2018 by 5 Comments
Let not some unexpected wins paper over the cracks. Smokie delivers some home truths for Brad Scott and co.
VAFA Premier C – Williamstown CYMS v Old Camberwell: Conspiracy theories?
August 10, 2018 by 2 Comments
Smokie is a bit partial to a conspiracy theory as he explains in his report.
VAFA: Williamstown CYMS AFC – Smokie reminisces about times past
July 27, 2018 by 4 Comments
Smokie reminisces about times past as a player, administrator, and supporter at Williamstown CYs.
Almanac Teams: The True Believers
July 11, 2018 by 15 Comments
Count your blessings, for Smokie has selected a team with a decidedly religious flavour.
“Our Game”
This piece has been taken down following a reader’s request.