Thebeaver has produced one of the more creative pieces of sports writing we’ve published in some time. But you be the judge.
Memoir: Facing Michael Kasprowicz
November 4, 2017 by 13 Comments
John Harms has faced a Test bowler at a Test venue, and lived to tell the tale. Just. He was put into this situation because he paid insufficient respect to the top opening bowler.
Almanac Classics (in a milestone week for the Almanac)
October 26, 2017 by 28 Comments
The Almanac is about to celebrate a major milestone. We’ve published many brilliant pieces over the years but, neglectfully, we have forgotten to categorise them as ‘Almanac Classics’. We need your help.
Nominate a piece which you think is a classic – and we’ll highlight it this week, and make it an Almanac Classic and feature it on the home page.
Round 21 (2015) – St Kilda v Geelong: The Performer
October 25, 2017 by 38 Comments
Dips O’Donnell has nominated this P. Flynn piece on Stevie J as an Almanac Classic. (send your noms in to [email protected])
So you want to understand Johnno? P.J. Flynn revels in the magic and madness of old mate Stevie J.
Dudley Street Doggies – Clem Nips Out To The Shed
October 25, 2017 by 11 Comments
Neil Anderson has nominated this Swish account of Clem’s first visit to Etihad as an Almanac Classic. (send your noms in to [email protected])
Clem makes the trip up Dynon Road to the big shed on Spencer St to see the Doggies for the first time this century. Was it worth the trip to Joe’s of Barkly Street beforehand?
Almanac Family and Footy: My dear Uncle’s Jacket
October 16, 2017 by 12 Comments
This is a wonderful story of family and the passing of time – and a jacket and a grand final. Haje Halabi pays respect to his father and two uncles and is given a jacket. [An Almanac Classic – Ed]
We are Green and Gold (2014)
October 10, 2017 by 30 Comments
Andrew Starkie lost a dear footy friend, Matt McNeil, at the age of 43. He reflects on their time together in the Old Collegians team in the WDFL and their adventures in Warrnambool. [Superb tribute – JTH]
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 ***
Backwards to go Forwards: an Ode to Defence (or ‘Tash and Dash’)
August 26, 2017 by 17 Comments
Football is football. But it is also a way in to thinking and feeling. This meditation from Mathilde de Hauteclocque offers a half back flanker’s response to omnipresent grief.
Almanac Music: Wichita Lineman and me
August 10, 2017 by 40 Comments
Glen Campbell has died at the age of 81. We re-visit Mickey Randall’s story from last year.
“And I need you more than want you
And I want you for all time..”
Mickey Randall on a magnificent song of hope and love; Glen Campbell with Jimmy Webb’s ‘Wichita Lineman’.
An open letter of humble thanks to Martin Flanagan
June 27, 2017 by 43 Comments
David Wilson has put into words the essence of what many of us are feeling with this letter of thanks to Martin Flanagan. No doubt we all have a Martin Flanagan story. No doubt we all feel a sense of gratitude, and loss.
A letter from Martin Flanagan
June 27, 2017 by 27 Comments
When Martin Flanagan left The Age, David Wilson wrote a letter of humble thanks to him. This is Martin Flanagan’s reply. [Thanks Flanners. Welcome to the Almanac. We are thrilled to have you. We love that the rhythm of your Saturday contemplation has not missed a beat. JTH]
Sacked
April 20, 2017 by 96 Comments
Andrew Gigacz posted this piece from five years ago on Facebook today and it is brutally honest account of job loss and the effect it can have on someone’s mental health. Must read.
On Footy Value
April 6, 2017 by 15 Comments
Joe Huddler had distinct and vastly different experiences by going to two games in one day: a VFL practice match at Arden St amongst the elements and the Melbourne v Carlton clash in a corporate box at the ‘G. This is a beautifully crafted call for perspective.
Number Five
March 16, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Paul Spinks takes us back to 1985 where he watched a Geelong pre-season inter-club game in Anglesea. His South African friend Samantha didn’t know much about the game, but she couldn’t help but be impressed by a certain number 5.
Elizabeth High 1977 – Class 12.2: Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?
March 3, 2017 by 26 Comments
It’s now 40 years since Swish and his cohorts from Elizabeth High faced their Matriculation year. How’d they turn out?
Almanac Classics: And a marathon came calling…
November 29, 2016 by 34 Comments
When David Downer’s life hit a few speed bumps, he started running. Those 20 minute runs eventually increased, leading to life as a marathon runner. This is a fantastic tale of a man with a healthy addiction. The full story of the journey of the marathon runner. Originally published in August, David’s epic is both incredible and inspirational, a story even more poignant today. [This the first in a series of ‘Paddy Suggests’. Paddy Grindlay is making his way through the Almanac archives and picking out some of his favourite pieces. Look out for some classics Thanks Paddy, Ed]
Almanac Classic Cricket Writing: Arthur Mailey’s Opposing my Hero from 10 for 66 and all that
October 26, 2016 by 6 Comments
A.A. Mailey on bowling to Victor Trumper. This is a deadset classic.
Macca – Mr Loyalty: A Tribute to Garry McIntosh
October 24, 2016 by 131 Comments
Rulebook’s tribute to one of his favourites, the great man of Norwood and South Australian football, Garry McIntosh.
Finals Week 1 – West Coast v Western Bulldogs: “This story is our story”
September 15, 2016 by 9 Comments
In this fantastic piece, Kerrie Soraghan reflects on one of the great Bulldogs wins of the last half a century. Superb observations. Brilliant insight. Heartfelt. Whatever your allegiance this piece will lift your spirits.
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