The Norwood Redlegs had a cast of interstate ‘blow-ins’ during the Alan Killigrew years and continued to attract players from outside SA’s borders. Swish looks at those that first played League football at Norwood during the 1976-1990 years (this article follows the previous article, covering those who arrived from 1960-1975). Names like Parke, Adamson, Balme (x2) come readily to mind, but there are some obscure names that are also recognised here.
The Long and Winding Ride: Episode 13 – Chiltern to Goorambat: Like a bat out of hell
July 30, 2025 by 3 Comments
Episode 13 of Peter Clark’s ‘The Long and Winding Ride’ covers the longest ride on the so far from Chiltern to Goorambat. Besides enjoying lunch and nice wines Peter also examines the history of some of the local footy clubs such as Thoona FC and Goorambat FC.
The Long and Winding Ride: Episode 12 – Eldorado to Chiltern: Lappin’ it all up
July 23, 2025 by 3 Comments
Episode 12 of Peter Clark’s mammoth undertaking finds him cycling on his ‘Long and Winding Ride’ from Eldorado to Chiltern. Besides indulging in the magnificent food and wine along the way, Peter delves into some footy history featuring some well-known AFL players.
SANFL Blow-ins 1960-1990: Part 5a – Norwood
July 22, 2025 by 19 Comments
The Norwood Redlegs had a cast of interstate ‘blow-ins’ during the Alan Killigrew years and continued to attract players from outside SA’s borders. Swish looks at those that came during the 1960-1975 years (this article will be followed up soon with those who arrived from 1976-1990).
Almanac Footy: Sel Murray – North Melbourne’s super boot
July 14, 2025 by 5 Comments
The North Melbourne FC recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary in the VFL/AFL. Roger highlights the playing career of one of the Kangas great champions, full-forward Sel Murray in an in-depth and enlightening tribute.
The Long and Winding Ride: Episode 10 – Milawa to Tarrawingee: Not a Gallop
July 9, 2025 by 5 Comments
It’s a selective slow pedal from Milawa to Tarrawingee for Peter Clark as he takes in some of the gourmet delights of the area. Tarrawingee, a long established Ovens and King League football club and a famous former son – ‘The Galloping Gasometer’ feature in this part of the journey.
Almanac Footy History: Norwood Blow-Ins Sneak Preview – Della-Polina, Corrigan and Simeon
June 5, 2025 by 4 Comments
Swish gives us an early look at some little-known interstate recruits he has found when researching Norwood’s blow-ins from 1960-1990.
Almanac Biography: A request from Citrus Bob – who is the batsman?
March 28, 2025 by 5 Comments
Citrus Bob is desperate to find out who the tall batsman is going out to bat with Chris Kiernan. He would be delighted if someone can help him out.
Almanac Books: ‘It’s in the Genes’ – Machine Team Siblings: Part 3 – The Coventrys
February 25, 2025 by 2 Comments
Part 3 of an extract from Des Tobin’s book ‘It’s in the Genes: Australian Football Families’ features famous Collingwood FC brothers Syd and Gordon ‘Nuts’ Coventry part of the Collingwood’s ‘Machine Team’ of the 1920s.
Almanac Books: ‘It’s in the Genes’ – Machine Team Siblings: Part 1 – The Murphys
February 18, 2025 by 1 Comment
Part 1 of an extract from Des Tobin’s book ‘It’s in the Genes: Australian Football Families’ features famous Collingwood FC brothers Len and Frank Murphy part of the Collingwood’s ‘Machine Team’ of the 1920/30s.
Almanac Lunches: Des, Bob, Richard, and John – ‘He sat them down’
February 9, 2025 by 7 Comments
It was another cracking Footy Almanac Lunch featuring Des Tobin, Bob Utber, and ‘a cast of thousands’ at the All Nations Hotel in Richmond last Friday.
Almanac Footy History: Gordon Lane – A cut above the rest.
November 29, 2024 by 3 Comments
Roger Spaull delves deeply into the footy archives to once again come up with another incredibly well researched biography of a former VFL/AFL great. This time it is Essendon champion Gordon ‘Whopper’ Lane, who also later became playing coach of South Melbourne.
Almanac Footy History: ‘Mulga’ and Ye Olde Buckland Inn
November 13, 2024 by 6 Comments
Allan Barden fondly remembers Maurice ‘Mulga’ Gregson, an old stalwart supporter, storyteller, and former player of the Swansea Football Club who passed away recently aged 94.
Almanac Footy History: A Synopsis of ‘It’s in the Genes’
November 1, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Here’s an outline of Des Tobin’s new book ‘It’s in the Genes’ which tells the story of some of Australian football’s most prominent families. Copies are now available.
Almanac Footy: Vale – Hugh Mitchell: Essendon great
October 28, 2024 by 8 Comments
Former Essendon champ Hugh Mitchell has passed away aged 89. Col remembers spotting Hugh on the train after a match that brought back childhood memories.
Almanac Footy History: Finding Uncle Stan – Have Boots Will Travel
October 9, 2024 by 5 Comments
Michael Sexton has been chasing information about his great uncle Stan Castles who played a couple of games with Fitzroy in 1932. The NSW Football History Society were able to supply Michael with some relevant material about his Great Uncle Stan.
Almanac Footy: SA Footy – Stars of the Past
September 7, 2024 by 3 Comments
Michael Sexton discusses two of the great old SANFL footballers, John Karney and Dan Moriarty. Michael is pleased both are deservingly mentioned in Bernard Whimpress’s latest book (his 49th) ‘SA Footy: Stars of the Past’.
Almanac Footy: Stawell Football Club circa 1940?
August 15, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Citrus Bob Utber needs your help to identify the footy club in a team photo from circa 1940.
Almanac Footy History: Bill Morris – The Good Samaritan
July 12, 2024 by 4 Comments
Bill Morris, former Richmond champion and Brownlow Medalist, was a legend of his era. Roger Spaull presents a magnificent account of the football career of Bill Morris.
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