Matt O’Hanlon’s father was a wonderful Queenslander (as is Matt). In this magnificent tribute to his Dad, Matt can’t help but demonstrate those elements of a sporting life which once drove the sporting culture and broader Australian culture. Those in powerful positions – in government, in sports administration, in media, and even in educational bureaucracy (not at the coal-face so much) – should read this piece. They will see what sport means to people, the level of their interest and engagement, and the sheer wisdom in Michael Joseph O’Hanlon’s approach. Vale Pop O’Hallaron. [An all-time classic – JTH]
Everyday Obituary: An ode to my old man, the Olympics and Usain Bolt.
August 27, 2016 by 15 Comments
To be PC or not to be
June 24, 2016 by 35 Comments
Trucker Slim sifts through the language of a “Rubicon crossing” week in social discourse (“What a fantastic story it is!”). What is Political Correctness, anyway?
Tom Wills, Weddos and the scorn of the village
May 12, 2016 by 29 Comments
In his confronting and honest post, Phil Dimitriadis discusses his link to Tom Wills, Weddings Parties Anything, The Almanac and his own struggles.
Round 4 – Essendon v Geelong: 9 Darts in Belfast
April 20, 2016 by 15 Comments
Peter Flynn posts from Belfast, watching Geelong and attending a Premier League Darts night with the Old Muckers, clearly darts was the winner. He was part of something very special.
The Martian
January 1, 2016 by 16 Comments
Dips has been reading. And thinking. And teaching. When our moment comes, how will any of us perform under pressure? Can we prepare for it? Can we teach for it? [All the best, Kate – Ed]
“…and we’ll be us; you and me. Soon!”
September 10, 2015 by 36 Comments
On RUOK day, and in the light of Lance Franklin’s health issues, we thought it timely to republish E.regnan’s remarkably honest recollection of how a near fatal car accident 20 years ago changed his life. What shapes the mental mandala?
Round 22 – St Kilda v Sydney: When worlds collide
September 3, 2015 by 11 Comments
Ross Treverton might have blown his cover with this story of covertly supporting his Swans. [Keep on eye on the police officer’s socks at the footy – Ed]. [This is a dead set Almanac classic – JTH]
Old buggers’ footy: To the Punt Road end
August 18, 2015 by 25 Comments
It’s never too late. Dips O’Donnell plays a proper game of footy on the MCG (before the North v Melbourne match). Here’s how it came about and how it unfolded. [Classic – JTH]
Looking After a Mate’s Bat
August 7, 2015 by 24 Comments
Matt and Russ remember their departed Oak Park mate, Jason “Jabba” Ball. (Beautiful – Ed.)
AFL Round 2 – Essendon v Hawthorn: Pipped
April 15, 2015 by 29 Comments
A classic in the Almanac style of footy being a way into writing about the things that most matter. Here Trucker Slim, in writing about Essendon v Hawthorn from a Greek Easter celebration, remembers his father. Beautiful piece.
“With a warm hand on my shoulder he taught me how to kick and mark
But the dearest truth he taught me was the depth of love that’s in a laugh”.
“this moment is the only thing you have”
” Family, community and the maintenance of a spirit built from the blood, sweat and tears of decent people and deep meaning.”
Revenge Of The Nerds: The Rise of Cricket’s New Generation Of Critics
March 5, 2015 by 27 Comments
Brutas Mudcake explains the fresh young voice of Australian cricket which is trying to do what, he argues, the older generation of broadcasters and writers have forgotten to do: respect the intelligence of the audience and be less Oi Oi Oi. Except for their spiritual leader, Godfather Gideon Haigh. They are the Geek Pack. Who are they? And what are they trying to do? [This is another important article from a younger writer which, like Geoff Lemon’s piece, shows why dinosaur thinking is actually damaging the game – Ed]
Almanac Music: Let’s straighten up this crap music discussion on namby-pamby derivative bull sh!t tunes
February 16, 2015 by 11 Comments
My heart is so swollen I’m overcome. I’d forgotten how much I missed Queensland. This is yet another piece which demonstrates the Almanac is an international site (are you with me on the six nations?). Last year we had a real Crow-eater theme for a while – which added much to the conversation. Now Archie waves the flag from the Deep North with his eight greats of music featuring such greats as Hey Hey We’re the Broncos from The Ipswich Connection. [Absolute cracker – JTH]
SCG Test, Australia v India – Day Two: Good Blokes
January 8, 2015 by 20 Comments
Neither you nor I will ever be as good a bloke or sheila as those good blokes representing Australia – on the field and in the commentary box.
The agony of the off-spin bowler
November 5, 2014 by 44 Comments
John Harms celebrates Nathan Lyon’s wonderful summer by looking at the things all off-spinners deal with every waking moment.
Dear Sando: a letter from the Crows’ board
September 19, 2014 by 21 Comments
Dave Brown unearths a letter, written three years ago, from the Board of the Adelaide Football Club to newly-appointed coach Brenton Sanderson.
A legacy into which Paul Roos is tapping
July 11, 2014 by 2 Comments
This excellent piece on Checker Hughes is definitely written by Lynda Carroll. It was sent to us by Rob Heath. [Apologies for the confusion Lynda – Ed] Lynda has a PhD in history. Her research focussed on the Melbourne Football Club. Subsequently, during her time as Melbourne’s historian she completed The Grand Old Flag, the official club history. Lynda completed many interviews with key Demon characters. She continues her life as a writer and historian and is currently working on a major project about the East Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Last Backyard Soccer Match
July 8, 2014 by 11 Comments
Delightful memoir lamenting the passing of time, and change. And remembering the great times. Of Smokie Dawson’s family backyard soccer.
Boxing: Happy Birthday Slim
June 28, 2014 by 11 Comments
AS HIGHLIGHTED IN THE AGE
Lionel Rose would have celebrated his 66th birthday on June 21. Patrick Skene tells the story of how he was part of Lionel’s 60th birthday celebrations in Sydney. (An Almanac Classic)
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