September 19 is the anniversary of the first start of John Harms’s first ever horse, the great mare Courting Pleasure, known as Dog on Fire, or just The Dog. She started at Murtoa in the Wimmera region of Victoria. Coincidentally, this Saturday the Murtoa Cup will be run at Murtoa. [JTH will host the marquee at the 2018 Murtoa Cup this Saturday – Ed]
Almanac Music (and AFL premierships): ‘Eagle Rock’ and the origin of The Down Trou
September 30, 2018 by 16 Comments
Given the West Coast’s victory, we’re thinking the state of WA should celebrate with a choreographed and coordinated Down Trou. Or a whole year of it – every time the opening riff is heard. This is something about its elusive origins written by an ardent Pies fan Lord Malcaster:
The Down Trou has become world famous. Lord Mulcaster remembers its Union College origins. He was reminded of those grand days recently when he was at a Union College re-Union Ball at City Hall in Brisbane. When that riff plays, there is only one thing to do…
When Travis saved the world
September 8, 2018 by 19 Comments
John Harms has always loved Travis Varcoe. This piece was published in 2011.
An Olympic Park Memory
August 23, 2018 by 5 Comments
John Harms remembers Little Athletics and Olympic Park in Melbourne.
Small steps, big steps: the story of O Tecnico and his boys
August 2, 2018 by 9 Comments
This is the story of a team of young players and their coach. By John Harms.
Revisiting a cricket rant from Feb, 2011 – has anything changed?
June 24, 2018 by 43 Comments
This piece, about the state of cricket and the approach of Cricket Australia, which critiques the hyper-commercialisation of the game, was published in February, 2011.
It’s interesting to read now, given the escalation of T20 cricket, and also what has transpired in recent months, and the public’s response. It would be interesting to read John Harms’s view of cricket now, and also of the AFL (given his concluding comments way back then).
Streets of our Town: All hail the Community Cup!
June 19, 2018 by 19 Comments
With the Reclink Community Cup (Melbourne) on this Sunday at Victoria Park, we revisit John Harms’s report on the Community Cup of 2017.
Rugby league: Never the twain shall meet
June 4, 2018 by 13 Comments
An Origin memory from 2012.
What would Mark Twain have thought?
VAFA – Fitzroy v Ajax: ANZAC Day at Brunswick Street Oval, then, and now.
June 3, 2018 by 11 Comments
John Harms spent ANZAC Day at the Brunswick Street Oval helping with Auskick, having lunch (and speaking at lunch) and then watching an exciting match between the Roys and the visiting Ajax side.
Remembering J. Neville Turner
May 6, 2018 by 6 Comments
John Harms went to J Neville Turner’s funeral on Thursday, prompting a few memories and this tribute (which includes a description of Neville’s tennis serve).
Round 1 – Melbourne v Geelong: Ambitious
March 29, 2018 by 11 Comments
John Harms tells the story of a social afternoon which featured a footy match at the MCG between Geelong and Melbourne.
Roy Masters and a coach’s attire
March 11, 2018 by 2 Comments
Roy Masters in 1980 – with his boys at Wests. [Classic – thanks to Tim Berry]
Danga’s got the gout: welcoming new sponsor Kate Burke and Think Agri
March 9, 2018 by 1 Comment
Kate Burke loves all the good stuff. She is also a highly-credentialed and respected farming consultant.
South Africa v Australia – First Test, Durban: Thoughts and comments?
March 4, 2018 by 31 Comments
The First Test between South Africa and Australia started last night at Kingsmead, Durban. John Harms has a few thoughts. Check out the comments thread.
Play On
January 29, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Play On is the omnibus edition of John Harms’s first three books: Loose Men Everywhere, Memoirs of a Mug Punter, and Confessions of a Thirteenth Man. Read what the critics have said about them here. And copies of the latest edition (2015) are available.
Memoir: Facing Michael Kasprowicz
November 4, 2017 by 13 Comments
John Harms has faced a Test bowler at a Test venue, and lived to tell the tale. Just. He was put into this situation because he paid insufficient respect to a top opening bowler.
Almanac Milestone: 4,998,443 at 11.30am Thursday
October 26, 2017 by 20 Comments
The Almanac is approaching a milestone. Find out more here.
Almanac Sports History: John Carlos and Mexico City 1968. (From Democracy Now)
October 20, 2017 by 2 Comments
Recently Democracy Now interviewed John Carlos (1968 Mexico City podium salute) and sports writer Dave Kirin.
Introducing KB Hill: father, sportsman, writer.
September 21, 2017 by 6 Comments
John Harms met KB Hill at his 70th birthday, and this is KB Hill’s first piece for the Almanac.
Ipswich Rugby League: Goodna RLFC are premiers (again) and Ted and Tracey and TC and crew are still celebrating
September 20, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Goodna are premiers which makes TC’s version of the Goodna song timely – and popular. Take it away TC.
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