Smokie Dawson explains why he attends the Williamstown ANZAC Day Dawn Service each year, and the importance of the painting, ‘Menin Gate At Midnight’ by Will Longstaff. (Reprised from April 2022 – Ed.)
Almanac Life: Why April 26 is the real test
April 26, 2025 by 17 Comments
Ex-serviceman Ian Wilson presents his insights about ANZAC Day as well as some thought provoking suggestions as a means for future commemorations.
Almanac Poetry: ‘The Great War – AIF Suite’
April 25, 2025 by 27 Comments
Kevin Densley’s ‘The Great War – AIF Suite’ poetry collection is as timely as ever on Anzac Day. Read on for some poignant and arresting reflections on Australian soldiers who fought in World War One. [For ANZAC Day 2025 we reprise Kevin’s reflective set of WW1 poems- ED]
Round 7 – ANZAC Day, Collingwood v Essendon: Then and Now
May 2, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Peter Butler presents a Floreat Pica Society report which compares the 1995 and 2024 drawn Anzac Day clashes between Collingwood and Essendon.
Almanac Music – ‘Distant Sand’: A Song Tribute To The Fallen At Anzac Cove
April 25, 2024 by 2 Comments
Karl Dubravs pays tribute to the fallen in The Great War with his song ‘Distant Sand’ inspired by, and reflecting, the ANZAC spirit, and the futility of war.
Almanac (Footy) History: Jack Cooper – Courageous Fitzroy footballer and Anzac soldier
April 25, 2024 by 2 Comments
At a time of remembrance for soldiers who served and gave their lives in The Great War, Roger Spaull pays tribute to Jack Cooper, champion footballer of the Fitzroy Football Club. In this moving and in-depth account of a footballer and soldier, Roger paints a picture of a man who served his club, and his country, and made the supreme sacrifice on the Menin Road, Passchendaele .
The Muse: Musings on Anzac Day
April 25, 2021 by 9 Comments
The Muse had an Abbotts Lager and mused about Anzac Day and what the brothers Smith and Hutchins from the Australian bush were fighting for.
VAFA – Fitzroy v Ajax: ANZAC Day at Brunswick Street Oval, then, and now.
April 24, 2021 by 13 Comments
John Harms spent ANZAC Day 2012 at the Brunswick Street Oval helping with Auskick, having lunch and then watching an exciting match between the Roys and the visiting Ajax side. [Reprised]
Osaka Dingoes’ IMPACT Anzac Day Cup 2019
May 1, 2019 by 4 Comments
Anzac Day footy also featured in Japan. Yoshi’s Osaka Dingoes participated in the IMPACT Anzac Day Cup, played between teams from Japan and China.
Almanac (Footy) Poetry: April 25th 2018
April 25, 2018 by 11 Comments
Phil Dimitriadis is moved to poetry by the significance of the moment and the Pies’ performance at the MCG on Anzac Day. The afternoon has prompted much contemplation.
Nathan Buckley press conference: Anzac Day clash important in more ways than one
April 24, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Anna Pavlou transcribed Nathan Buckley’s take on the importance of playing on Anzac Day in general & what the Magpies hope to do this Wednesday against old foes Essendon
Book Extract – “As the Twig is Bent” by Norman Weaver. Part 1: Footy and Nine Ounce Gloves
April 11, 2018 by 3 Comments
Brett Weaver has been kind enough to share this from his father’s recently released book, “As the Twig is Bent” on childhood and adolescence in post-war country Victoria. This is an absolute cracker, Almanackers – do yourself a favour
Joe Slater – An Update
August 30, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Anna Pavlou brings this poignant update to her earlier story about Geelong’s Joe Henry Slater – a Geelong champion killed in WWI
Bob Lawless – ANZAC Day Tribute
April 24, 2017 by 5 Comments
Martin Croker has put together a powerful tribute to his Great Uncle Robert Leslie Lawless, a Lance Corporal who was killed in France on 22 April 2017.
It was 22 Years Ago Today
April 24, 2017 by 3 Comments
Sam Steele remembers the brilliant 1995 ANZAC-eve match between Richmond and North Melbourne and hopes for another stunner tonight.
Almanac Opinion: Where is the ANZAC Spirit After April 25?
Ex-serviceman Ian Wilson raises a series of concerns he has about the way Anzac Day is commemorated both at the footy and in the community.