Glen Humphries from the ‘Illawarra Mercury’ shares the story of his Uncle Max, a man who coached various teams for over four decades but never at the very top level. He was too smart to do that!
The perfect storm – a history of the enigmatic Cam Newton
Sean Mortell examines the career of enigmatic NFL star Cam Newton.
Almanac Rugby League – A classic, a calamity and a controversy: Another week in rugby league
There is plenty to talk about after Round 8 of the NRL season. The Almanac’s rugby league editor gives his take on it all.
Almanac Rugby League: A forward explains rugby league
There are factions within rugby league. They’re called ‘forwards’ and ‘backs’. Here’s how it all evolved.
Almanac Rugby League – NRL Round 8: Coping with injuries – it’s all about depth
With a growing injury list across several clubs, there’s plenty of interest in how they cope as we come up to Round 8 of the NRL season. Rugby league editor Ian Hauser gives his thoughts.
Almanac Rugby League – NSW Country Rugby League……Then and Now
Michael Croke from central western NSW is a teacher and former broadcaster with a long memory of country football. He recounts the good old days in Dubbo in the 60s and 70s.
Almanac Tennis – Wimbledon 2020: Seeing Lew Hoad in a Dream
Mike Sexton reminds us we’re coming into Wimbledon fortnight. He remembers the cavalier character Lew Hoad.
Almanac Memoir – My Favourite Trophy
Many of us have memories of running our guts out in sporting carnivals while the wind whooshed all around and glory was on the line…here’s Kevin Densley’s recollection from 1973.
Advice to innocents Down South regarding the terminology of footer
John Harms prefers accuracy in the language which describes football codes and offers a basic explanation for those Southerners who are struggling.
Almanac Rugby League – NRL Round 7: Fans short-changed by same old, same old
Before previewing the NRL’s Round 7, Ian Hauser asks just where do fans fit into the overall organism that is modern, top tier sport.
Almanac Rugby League: Like father, like son, like grandson
Dan Keary inherited his father’s passion for the mighty Eastern Suburbs Roosters and supported them through thick and thin. His task has been to honour that legacy by passing it on to his children. [A rollicking yet poignant family story – Ed.]
Almanac Memoir: The Vientiane Rugby Club
Paul Nankivell recalls Vientiane in all its 1980s expat glory in this amusing memoir ostensibly about rugby. [Mangoplah Cookardinia gets a mention – Ed]
Almanac Rugby League – NRL Round 6: What did we learn?
Rugby league editor Ian Hauser evaluates what the wash-up from Round 6 might mean to the way the remainder of the season unfolds.
Almanac Rugby League – NRL Round 6: Wheat and chaff
After challenging the referees to get tough, rugby league editor Ian Hauser offers his thoughts on the NRL’s Round 6.
Almanac History: A short film about Peter Norman
After seeing Alex Darling’s piece about the famous Peter Norman photo, Matt Norman (Peter’s nephew) let us know about his short film, ‘I’ll Stand With You’.
Almanac Rugby League – Vale Noel Kelly: one of the greats and a true hard man of the code
The world of rugby league is in mourning following the death on Sunday of Noel Kelly, one of the game’s real hard men. Kelly was named as hooker in the ARL’s Team of the Century, a reflection of his standing in the code. The Footy Almanac pays tribute to one of Ipswich’s greatest sons.
Almanac Rugby League: Brian Burke thinks outside the box
Almanacker Jason Buffier’s mate Brian Burke runs a coffee shop in Maitland and writes a weekly column in the local ‘Maitland Mercury’. Brian put on his thinking cap to go back to the future to propose a regional rugby league competition to replace the cancelled 2020 competitions in the bush.
Almanac Rugby League – 2020 NRL Round 5: Home and Away
After a set of mixed results last weekend, what might we expect from the NRL’s Round 5 starting tonight? Ian Hauser looks into his crystal ball.











Almanac Rugby League – Fans or brands, principle or product?
For some, they’re the ongoing diseases of top tier sport – the curses of commercialism and corporatisation. John Campbell explains it.