Almanac Flashback: Harms on the speccie revisited

A decade ago, John Harms penned some words on the speccie, and its place in footy. (The comments that follow will bring back many memories – Ed).

Round 7 – Geelong v Essendon: Dips, I’ll fill you in.

For Dips – some notes on Geelong’s win last week. Can anyone else help fill Dips in? [Busy week – JTH]

Almanac Poetry: Les Murray – ‘Nocturne’

Sadly, Les Murray died yesterday. We featured this poem, ‘Nocturne’, in the early days of the Almanac site. It is one of John Harms’s favourite Les Murray poems.

Ultimate Wool Teams: Vic, Riverina, WA and SA

In this week’s Footy Record a (provisional) National Wool Team will be announced. It’s picked from these four regional squads.

Local Footy: Adelaide Lutheran, premiers 1986.

This was first published a few years ago for the 25th anniversary of the 1986 Adelaide Lutheran premiership. Well, five years have rolled on. The 1986 players are getting together with the 1991 premiership players (how many played in both?) this Saturday. Here’s the story of the first quarter. [Forget Gordon Agars – Ed]

Finals Week 1 (2016) – West Coast v Western Bulldogs: Dogs’ day away

Remember when Liam Picken played a manic forward role in the Thursday night final in Perth! John Harms on the remarkable September upset from the Western Bulldogs over the Eagles that night. [One of Liam Picken’s finest – Ed.]

Round 1 (2009) – Richmond v Carlton: Ransacked by Visigoths

This piece by John Harms was published just after the opening round in 2009. Stainless Steele’s series reminded us to reprise it here.

Sarah’s Big Swim – Part 2: Australia is hot

Sarah Wapling continues to train for Sarah’s Big Swim. This is the traditional Equino report outlining what she has done over the past four weeks or so.

A tribute to Les Carlyon

John Harms knew Les Carlyon by his words. He pays tribute to the classic Australian story-teller.

Almanac Horseracing: Our Andy’s Paisley Park wins the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham

Almanac form analyst and red wine connoisseur Andy Gemmell’s horse Paisley Park has won the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. Go you good thing! [Watch the race and also read the profile – Ed]

Almanac Cricket (Terminology): What is the correct name for the box/protector/cup?

The humble box has come under scrutiny in the last 24 hours – since Mickey Randall purchased a new one for a forthcoming return to cricket. What are the different terms used for a ‘box’? And, ni this piece, John Harms has included videos of the most famous cricket box incident in history – featuring David Bumble Lloyd.

Sarah’s Big Swim – Part 1: This is Sarah

Sarah’s Big Swim is one of THE sporting events of 2019. John Harms explains. [That would be Sarah Wapling – Ed]

Almanac Weather: Please explain

John Harms is fascinated by weather. He’s watched closely for over half a century. He’s puzzled.

Almanac Summer: Simple Lethargic Motion

John Harms writes of summer heat in Oakey, Greek cafes and Physics.

The Glorious Nineteenth (at Murtoa)

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

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

John Harms has always loved Travis Varcoe. This piece was published in 2011.

Revisiting a cricket rant from Feb, 2011 – has anything changed?

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).

Remembering J. Neville Turner

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

John Harms tells the story of a social afternoon which featured a footy match at the MCG between Geelong and Melbourne.