Despite the doom and gloom impression history may have given you, in the early 80s Fitzroy were a “glamour team” of the VFL. Philip Mendes is keen to counter the negativity and prove that Fitzroy were up there with the best.
Revising the Doom and Gloom Historiography: Fitzroy Football Club’s last golden era 1978-1986
November 15, 2013 by 5 Comments
It’s time for the AFL to say sorry to Fitzroy
November 14, 2013 by 15 Comments
The AFL would prefer the thousands of former royboys and roygirls to just forget how they railroaded Fitzroy out of existence, writes Philip Mendes. But when celebrating the history of the competition, there is still cause for mourning.
“Superboot” Bernie Quinlan and the 1983 Qualifying Final 30 Years on
November 13, 2013 by 16 Comments
30 years on, old Fitzroy fan Philip Mendes reminds us of better times: a glorious performance by Bernie Quinlan in the 1983 Qualifying Final. Revel in the memory of a footballer who showed that age is no deterrent to making your mark.
Yarrawalla, a proud club with a brief history: 1946-82
November 13, 2013 by 12 Comments
Formed in the wake of the Second World War, the Yarrawalla Hawks had a difficult first season, but grew through two leagues, two strips and four flags to become a side with a proud history. Richard Jones looks at the highs and lows of a club now gone but still remembered.
1951 Recruit of the year
November 13, 2013 by 11 Comments
A classic bit of football history as Neil Anderson reports on how things were done back in the day – how was EJ Whitten advised of his good fortune by the Bulldogs?
Coleman
November 9, 2013 by 6 Comments
I haven’t been to the “G” yet to catch up with the new John Coleman statue, but when I do it will bring back many memories of this great footballer and memories of a time late in the 1951 season when he was rubbed out, costing Essendon a certain flag. I am one of those [Read more]
The Perfect Kick (Really)
November 5, 2013 by 6 Comments
Matt Zurbo has nailed the perfect kick – once or twice in millions.
The quest for a wool footy jumper
November 4, 2013 by 29 Comments
What would cause a Wagga guy to venture into Brighton? All Craig Dodson wanted was an old woollen Swans jumper from the early 90s. It didn’t seem that hard. But six months on, it has turned into an epic quest, encountering great people along the way (and the odd dickhead).
A Past Half Century of Achievement, but. .. International Rules Future Doubts
November 2, 2013 by 1 Comment
Historian Steve Alomes urges sports fans to see the big picture and not dismiss International Rules football, after the disappointment of the recent indigenous team tour to Ireland.
Footy Dogs
October 31, 2013 by 7 Comments
Peter Baulderstone reckons its cruel to name dogs after footy players. You never know when they will stray to new owners. “Once bitten twice shy” should be the new motto of dog-owning footy fans.
The Footy Almanac 2013 cover art
October 30, 2013 by 30 Comments
This year, The Footy Almanac cover has been painted by Melbourne artist (and Almanac contributor) Kate Birrell who has captured Luke Hodge and his driving left foot. Here’s a bit about Kate, and a bit from Kate, expressing her love of the everyday. (Kate’s original painting is up for auction – Ed)
Top End Hawks return to their roots
October 30, 2013 by 3 Comments
Jackson Clark reports on a visit by Hawks Cyril Rioli and Jed Anderson inspiring young Indigenous students in the Top End.
Edwards Becomes a Bomber
October 29, 2013 by 1 Comment
Territorian Shaun Edwards looked destined to join the Adelaide Crows until a late play from the Bombers, negotiating across countries and timezones. Jackson Clark provides the lowdown on a player promising to be a handy pick-up for Essendon.
Footys4all in India
October 29, 2013 by 4 Comments
Dr Nathan Grills is doing extraordinary work as a public health doctor in India. Nathan sent these amazing photos of his team handing out Footys4all balls and bats to schools, slums, orphanages and disability shelters. Read it and weep; and smile; and donate.
Who wants number 3?
October 28, 2013 by 3 Comments
The number 3 guernsey is up for grabs again at Essendon. But who would want it? Colin Ritchie reckons the number has been a curse to many who have worn it.
Cobba’s AFL Trade Directory
October 28, 2013 by 4 Comments
Jake ‘Cobba’ Stevens offers another brilliant infographic to explain the 2013 AFL Trade movements. ‘Cobba’ could make quantum physics and global warming understandable.
Hi, I’m Simon Black…
October 27, 2013 by 5 Comments
Matt Watson recalls his meetings with Simon Black and reviews his career. A champion on and off the field.
The best review of the 2013 AFL season you will hear
October 25, 2013 by 1 Comment
This is the poem Dave Warner recited at The Footy Almanac Grand Final Eve Lunch and later that night at The Caravan Club (where this was taped).
Junior Footy: The Journey Begins
October 25, 2013 by 2 Comments
Wesley Hull’s previous piece introduced us to footy in far North Queensland and the work of the Footys4all Foundation. Now he takes us back to his suburban beginnings with the moth-eaten Magpies.
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