Murray Walding comes from a Richmond family. This is his story of meeting Jack Dyer. [Brilliant atmospheric description – Ed]
VAFA Media Awards “Best Online Feature Story” 2018 – Williamstown CYMS AFC: Into The Ammos!
December 13, 2018 by 8 Comments
Great news. Smokie Dawson has won the 2018 VAFA media award for “Best online feature story.” We first published it here in May. The story of Williamstown CYMS AFC; a history of the club’s inception into the VAFA. Here it is.
‘…..SPUD……….’ – KB Hill
December 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment
There’s no stopping KB Hill. This time he profiles a real character from Wangaratta – Renato Leonardo Patat, better known as ‘Spud’. Comparisons with Nino Culotta aren’t far off the mark!
Almanac Footy- A Team Of Hyphens
December 11, 2018 by 12 Comments
Glen wondered how many hyphenated players have played AFL/VFL? However he thought he’d compile a list of those players he’s cognisant of.
Almanac Books – ‘Australian Football: The People’s Game 1958-2058’ by Stephen Alomes
December 10, 2018 by Leave a Comment
The Almanac is happy to promote Stephen Alomes’ recent publication, ‘Australian Football: The People’s Game 1958-2058’. Stephen’s academic background blends with a conversationalist style to offer something for everyone with a love of the game.
The Case of False Identity on a Scanlen’s Footy Card
December 7, 2018 by 7 Comments
Who is this? Please help. Someone must know him. It may well be Rod Stokes. Can we find Rod Stokes?
‘Football rotting at the roots in Fish Creek’ – Martin Flanagan
December 5, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Martin Flanagan has a habit of striking at the very heart of the issue. Here he nails it once again in this recent opinion piece in ‘The Age’ as a local footy team battles to survive.
Cricket memoir: Dips’ finest hour
November 30, 2018 by 3 Comments
There has been a number of posts on the site recently about backyard cricket, backyards, and early childhood memories. We reprise a cricket story from 2009 by Dips about his backyard cricketing exploits. Have you a story to tell?
2018 AFL Player Previews: Revisited
November 28, 2018 by 1 Comment
How did they fare in 2018? Anna Pavlou revisits the player previews she made at the beginning of the 2018 AFL season to present an assessment of their performances for the year.
Old woollen footy jumpers: Dick McGillivray in a ridgy didge Essendon premiership jumper
November 27, 2018 by 7 Comments
Dick McGillivray wore his fair dinkum Essendon premiership jumper around the farm, as his daughter Pamela explains.
Almanac Backyards – Backyard Bliss
November 26, 2018 by 5 Comments
Craig Dodson’s article on backyard space caused Pamela Sherpa to reflect on her own blissful childhood spent outdoors.
Draft Day – Not as good as the movie and the AFL has the wrong script
November 23, 2018 by 5 Comments
There are big problems with the draft process in the AFL system as Steve Earl explains. How does it serve footy generally? And, importantly, who does it serve a large number of undrafted aspirants the system spits out?
Luke Valente, Elite Leader
November 22, 2018 by 38 Comments
Malcolm Ashwood profiles Luke Valente, captain of the victorious South Australian Under 18 team.
Interview: Brett Goodes – Accidental Destination
November 21, 2018 by 3 Comments
Anna Pavlou speaks with former Western Bulldog player Brett Goodes about taking his 22-game AFL career as the start of his passion for the AFL Community and the rights of the people involved.
‘A master of his craft…’ KB Hill
November 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment
KB Hill is the master of the memoir. Here he tells us about the life and times of Stuart Elkington.
Nathan Buckley living la dolce vita
November 20, 2018 by 10 Comments
Nathan Buckley is holidaying in Europe which prompts Jump Ball to make his Almanac debut with his observations of the Pies coach. [Welcome Jump Ball – JTH]
Almanac Football – Most Improved and Most Dedicated for the Osaka Dingoes
The AFL’s keenest Japanese fan, Yoshi, tells us about his first year with the code – and how he came up trumps at the Osaka Dingoes’ end of season awards. Well done, Yoshi, and congratulations from all at The Almanac.