Almanac Ice Hockey: Bear Necessities

Tom Bally has all your Australian Ice Hockey League needs covered…you didn’t realise there *was* an ice hockey league here? He’s got you covered there too, as he only recently discovered its existence – but is now hooked!

Round 22 – Melbourne v Sydney: The future right there

Tom Bally on a win over the Demons that showcased some of the future shining lights for Sydney, a theme plenty of astute Swans fans have picked up on in what has been an otherwise disappointing season.

Round 14 – Sydney v Hawthorn: Finally

It is a nervous night at the SCG for Tom Bally, as he rides the peaks and troughs of the Swans win over the Hawks

Round 8 – Sydney v Essendon: Who ya gonna call?

Tom Bally is relieved the Swans were able to hang on and win in the Round match against the Bombers at the SCG on Friday night.

Round 2 – Sydney v Adelaide: Me, Football and Owen Too.

The Swans’ start to the season has been inconsistent to say the least. A frustrated Tom Bally doesn’t have the answers as to why.

Round 23 – Sydney v Hawthorn: Stayin’ alive. Just.

“As a Swans fan there are very few things to feel bad about…” begins Tom Bally. But any loss to Hawthorn gets the blood boiling.

Round 17 – North Melbourne v Sydney: A Little Bit of Hope

Tom Bally’s Swans were on the right side of hope on Sunday.

Round 13 – Sydney Swans v West Coast Eagles: Give the backs a break!

Tom Bally has a night out at the SCG and asks his forwards to give his backs a break..

Round 3 – Sydney v GWS: Something Buddy this way comes

Defeating the cross-town rivals (aka the “Enemy”) proves deeply satisfying for Tom Bally

Round 2 – Sydney v Port Adelaide: Hungry for a win

The Sydney Swans left Tom Bally with an empty stomach and an appetite for answers as they dropped their first home game of the season to Port Adelaide

Round 17 – GWS v Sydney: Gobbling up the action

The defensive resolve of the Swans kept their rivals at bay. For Tom Bally, this game was a flashback to the Swans of old.

Round 14 – Sydney v Essendon: It’s not over until the redhead sings

Sydney pulled off an impressive come from behind win at the siren. Tom Bally and fellow Swans supporters soaked up the moment for all it was worth.

Round 12 – Sydney v Western Bulldogs: Revenge against the Enemy

Sydney got some measure of revenge with a win over last year’s Grand Final nemesis. Thursday night footy might be a regular favourite for Tom Bally if Sydney keep playing like that.

Round 7 – Sydney v Brisbane: A sight for sore eyes

  Time, it seems, has caught up with me. Years of peering at computer screens has finally stuffed my vision. After getting my eyes checked I spend most of Saturday morning trying on frames. It’s somewhat depressing this getting old thing.   But not as depressing as getting beaten by Carlton. And nowhere near as [Read more]

Round 5 – Sydney v GWS: Onwards to Round 6 please

Tom’s becoming increasingly frustrated with the Swans after expecting a better effort from them this week. Like all true supporters, he’s hoping things will improve for Round 6.

Round 1 – Sydney v Port Adelaide: Power bill due

The Swans may have some tough times ahead in 2017 according to Sydney supporter Tom Bally.

Finals Week 3 – Geelong v Sydney: In search of a summer of thunder-shaking

Tom Bally doesn’t know if he wants time to pass quickly so the prelim final starts or slowly so he can savour the build-up, but he does know he wants a victory – and a premiership.

Finals Week 1 – Sydney v GWS: Final pulse

Last night Almanac HQ took possession of this script for Tom Bally’s TV miniseries “Final Pulse.” It’s a ripping hospital drama, featuring a cast you might recognise.

Round 23 – Sydney v Richmond: Keeping a lid on things

Swans supporters were nervous going into the match against Richmond, the Tigers held an advantage and as Tom Bally writes, there was no need for concern.

Round 18 – Sydney v Carlton: Ready the paddles…

Where’s that defibrillator? The Swans get the wobbles at the SCG, and so does Tom Bally.