Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 12: ‘Walker – High Anticipation’ and Episode 13: ‘The Fates Intervene’

February 10, 2026 by 2 Comments

Always looking to move ahead, Herb Barkle took on a highly anticipated fight with the well-credentialed Mickey Walker in Sydney. But what is boxing without a bit of controversy? The result received a mixed response!

Almanac Swimming: Definitely a win

February 9, 2026 by 5 Comments

Sheralee Menz recounts youthful swims narrated by discipline and punctuated by Bush Biscuits. The laps of the past are still paying off today.

Almanac Basketball: Not Bad Thanks Basketball Club – ‘Giving it heaps’

February 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment

‘Giving it heaps’ is the playing mantra of the Not Bad Thanks basketball team as Graeme Willingham explains in his update of the team’s progress this season.

Almanac Winter Olympics: Remembering Ross Milne

February 6, 2026 by 7 Comments

The 2026 Winter Olympics commence from Friday 6 February until Sunday 22 February in north east Italy. Glen! looks back at Australia’s history competing in the Winter Olympics and in particular the tragic death of skier Ross Milne killed in a training accident.

Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 10: Two Bouts with Slack, then Green and Episode 11: Making a Splash Down South

February 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment

After a couple more successful bouts in Brisbane, Herb Barkle travels south to take the next steps towards higher honours. He creates quite a splash in the Sydney scene!

Almanac Tennis (and the Environment): Death of the bounce – how to fix throwaway culture in tennis.

February 5, 2026 by 9 Comments

Well this is a first: an article which combines physics and tennis. Kiwi reader, Vineeth Thomas, explains an initiative which takes into consideration an environmental impact.

Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 8: ‘A Setback’ and Episode 9: ‘Re-consolidation’

February 3, 2026 by 2 Comments

Dave Goodwin continues his coverage of their career of Herb Barkle. To paraphrase Shakespeare, ‘the course of a boxing career never runs smoothly’. Herb’s progress had its fair share of bumps and bruises.

Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 6: ‘On the Up’ and Episode 7: ‘The War with Hill’

January 30, 2026 by 2 Comments

Herb Barkle’s star is ‘on the up’ as his professional career evolves. But will he meet his match when he comes up against the more experienced “Snowy” Hill? It turned into an epic bout!

Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 5: Champion of Queensland

January 27, 2026 by 6 Comments

The big moment comes for Herb Barkle as he fights for the State bantamweight title – exactly 100 years ago today!

Almanac Life: A desperate thirteenth step to recovery

January 23, 2026 by 11 Comments

In a bid to overcome specific health issues, Ian Wilson gave up alcohol and took on the challenge of running marathons.

Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 4: The Prodigy – Getting Started

January 23, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Herb Barkle’s career in the ring gets off to a strong start as he works his way through the ranks of fellow bantamweight boxers. Track his progress in Episode 4 of Dave Goodwin’s series ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’.

Almanac Cycling: The Tour Down Under is in Tanunda

January 21, 2026 by 8 Comments

The Barossa stage of the Tour Down Under is happening right now. Turn the telly on.

Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 3: Father Jim

January 20, 2026 by 5 Comments

Dave Goodwin continues to set the background to his tale about Herb Barkle with particular reference to Herb’s father, Jim Barkle.

Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 2: The Fighting Barkles

January 16, 2026 by 1 Comment

In Episode 2 of his series, Dave Goodwin continues to set the background of Herb Barkle.

Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 1: Introducing Herbie

January 13, 2026 by 6 Comments

Today we begin a new series focusing on Herb Barkle, Bantamweight champion of Queensland 1926-29 and contender for the national title. Almanacker Dave Goodwin, originally from Kingaroy, unfolds the story of the man who, to paraphrase Bob Dylan, ‘one time, could have been the champion of Australia’.

Almanac Boxing – Introducing Dave Goodwin’s new series ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, a biography of Herb Barkle.

January 9, 2026 by 5 Comments

Today we introduce a new 26-part series which will focus on boxer Herb Barkle, bantamweight of Queensland from 1926 to 1929. Almanacker David Goodwin has researched Herb’s career from its humble beginnings, through the glory days and on to its sad decline.

Almanac Squash: A Potted Memoir of Squashing Balls

December 19, 2025 by 6 Comments

Allan Barden recalls his introduction to squash and his developing interest in the exploits of the world’s great players including Aussies Geoff Hunt and Heather McKay. And the highlight: a fifteen minute master class with a member of the famous Khan family.

Almanac Books for Christmas: New and Recent Releases published by Footy Almanac members

December 16, 2025 by 16 Comments

The Footy Almanac is proud to promote books published by our members. We include a list of some of the most recent titles. Click on the image for reviews and purchase details. Books always make a terrific gift.

Almanac Rugby Union – The Wallabies in 2025

November 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Brian the Ruminator, true to his name, has been reflecting on the (mis)fortunes of the Wallabies in 2025 and asks the pertinent questions about finding a path forward to the 2027 World Cup.

‘The Best of the Best of Wangaratta Tennis…’ by KB Hill

November 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment

KB Hill concludes his two-part series on the best players to grace the courts of Merriwa Park over the past century. Today he names his Top 10 men and women.