Local footy and netball (and other sports): tell us where and when your side is playing finals

August 27, 2014 by 22 Comments

With so many of our readers and writers involved in local sporting clubs, I thought it would be a nice opportunity for you to let us know where your side is playing finals – whether you be a player, coach, helper, fan. [Add the details as a comment in this post – or write us a whole yarn]

AFL Round 20 – Geelong v Fremantle: Of camels and fate

August 22, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Susie Giese journeys across Western Victoria all afternoon in her job as a sports photographer, then its off to Kardinia Park to see her Cats take on their despised rivals the Fremantle Dockers.

South African Lions in International Cup Buildup in Jamestown

August 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Last week the South African Lions AFL team came to Jamestown in the mid-north of South Australia, to begin their preparation for the International Cup in Melbourne this week. James Lang tells how they inspired the community, and the community inspired them.

South African Lions Heading to Jamestown

August 2, 2014 by Leave a Comment

James Lang previews the arrival of the South African team for the International Rules tournament culminating at the MCG on 23 August. They start at Jamestown in the Mid North of South Australia to see how the locals do it. (Updated with link to Mike Sexton’s ABC story and pix – Ed).

The Footy Almanac Podcast – Episode Lucky 13

July 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment

This week Matty Q, The People’s Elbow and Stone Cold are joined by Ben Cuzzupe of Bound for Glory News to talk all things journalism. ‘yoof’ journalism and footy. And where are the footy computer games?

Barry Clarke: dairy career prolongs football passion

July 16, 2014 by 1 Comment

Rick Bayne tells the story of Barry Clarke, who in his 50’s is still kicking goals, both on the field and off it with his dairy company.

Northern United Football Club – 30 years

July 2, 2014 by 4 Comments

Northern United was a powerhouse of the newly formed Bendigo Football League in the 1980s. Their 1984 premiership will be celebrated this weekend, Trevor Ludeman has all the details.

Kangaroos from the Ovens and Murray

June 17, 2014 by 7 Comments

Glen Davis nominates his best team of Ovens and Murray League players to have lined up for North Melbourne. Omissions, adjustments and debate encouraged.

Coleraine Football Club: Bill Bailey

June 10, 2014 by 10 Comments

Wool-grower Bill Bailey played for the Maroons in the late ’60s, and his woollen footy jumper still serves him well.

Rock Triv Shows Entertaining Colac and Raising Money for Charity

June 4, 2014 by 19 Comments

Luke Reynolds tells us how Colac has been celebrating with Rock Triv – a unique community fund raiser that combines fun, music and fund raising for charities.

Lismore Swans – A Footy Team On The Frontier

May 29, 2014 by 6 Comments

There are plenty of obstacles for a club in a region where Aussie Rules is a poor relation. But, as Liam Quin reports, there is no shortage of camaraderie at the Lismore Swans footy club.

Footy Jumper: Mangoplah Cookardinia United (The Goannas)

May 27, 2014 by 35 Comments

One day Craig Dodson was talked into playing for the Mangos. He made a career of it. His old woollen jumper brings a smile to his face.

Yallourn Footy Jumper: one small history

May 26, 2014 by 6 Comments

Rod Oaten tells the story of his Yallourn Football Club jumper. A teacher at Yallourn North Primary School he played at the club from 1961-64. If you have a woollen jumper we’d love to hear the story of it, and see a photo of it.

Off Season Odyssey – Part 13: The Word, Mates and Country Legends

April 25, 2014 by 13 Comments

This piece was written by Matt Zurbo two years ago about the single best bloke he met through playing footy. Hit by a car training for his 22nd year of Seniors. In loving memory.

Gambling is illegal at Bushwood sir, and I never slice: five yarns

March 27, 2014 by 23 Comments

Memories of a misspent youth from Mickey Randall. You can take the boy out of Kapunda, but you can’t take Kapunda out of the boy.

Footy in the 20s: East folds, three country clubs arrive

February 25, 2014 by 9 Comments

Richard Jones looks at the 1920s in the Bendigo footy league.

Football Islands

February 7, 2014 by 20 Comments

Mickey Randall’s sons embark on their footy careers in a different time and in a different country. Past and present. Hope and loss. Mickey poignantly weaves the threads of memory.

Bendigo footy in the Forties …. war and rationing intervene

February 3, 2014 by 8 Comments

Richard Jones offers a splendid history of Bendigo League football during the war years of the 1940’s.

Omens and Superstitions

January 28, 2014 by 4 Comments

So what is the omen that has guaranteed Turbo Zurbo’s local club a premiership?

60 Years Ago (1954) – A New Era for the Yallourn Blues

January 10, 2014 by 6 Comments

Footy historians gather round. Roger Spaull tells the story of the Yallourn Footy Club’s involvement in the new Latrobe Valley Football League in 1954.