KB Hill recalls the life and times of Ab Comensoli, a Wangaratta Magpies legend, who celebrated his 90th birthday in August.
‘Ninety-year-old AB still a passionate sporting fan…’ by KB Hill
October 23, 2025 by Leave a Comment
‘Vaudeville in the dressing rooms…’ by KB Hill
October 16, 2025 by 1 Comment
KB Hill charts the career of Stan Trebilcock with the Wangaratta Rovers and the local cricket association.
‘The year Mr Football came to town…’ by KB Hill
October 1, 2025 by Leave a Comment
It’s almost exactly 70 years since Bob Rose made the surprising decision to leave Collingwood to take up the role of player/coach of the Wangaratta Rovers. KB Hill reflects on that momentous time for the Rovers.
Almanac Footy – Western District Football Wrap: Hampden FNL Grand Final
September 29, 2025 by 2 Comments
That’s all she wrote for the Western Districts in 2025, Dandy Andy gives us a run down of the big dance which was held on a Friday this season, in a break with tradition.
Almanac Writing: 500 pieces for the Footy Almanac
September 25, 2025 by 8 Comments
Matt Zurbo (Old Dog) is a much loved member of the Footy Almanac community. His stories about sport – mainly footy, music, and life in general acknowledge his passion and substance for the written word, incorporating first hand experiences over many years. Matt reflects on his writing life, including a contribution of over 500 stories to the Footy Almanac. [Well done Matt, a fantastic effort! – Ed]
“Hawks clinch flag number 17 in an epic ‘derby’ thriller……” by KB Hill
September 25, 2025 by 2 Comments
KB Hill returns to The Footy Almanac with coverage of the Ovens and Murray League Grand Final between Rovers and Wangaratta. It was a classic derby clash!
Almanac Footy: Manly Warringah Wolves FC – A howler to impress
September 23, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Chris O’Sullivan, an old footy mate of Citrus Bob Utber expresses his feelings for the Manly Warringah Wolves FC, and how good they are for footy in NSW.
Almanac Footy: Western District Football Wrap – Hampden League Preliminary Final
September 23, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Koroit win their way into the Hampden League Grand Final with their win over South Warrnambool in the Preliminary Final reports Dandy Andy.
Almanac Footy: Western District Football Wrap – Finals time
September 16, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Dandy Andy reports on the semi-finals in the Hampden League, and the Mininera and District League Grand Final played last weekend.
Almanac Footy: Harry
September 12, 2025 by 5 Comments
The footy season is over for Otway Districts but not for the Old Dog as the chance for a kick of the footy is too good to refuse.
Almanac Footy: Western District Football Wrap – Finals time
September 9, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Dandy Andy reviews the Grand Final in the South West District League, the Preliminary Final in the Mininera and District League, and Qualifying and Elimination Finals in the Hampden League.
Almanac Footy: Photos from a water boy; Last Round, 2025 – Matt Zurbo loves Otway!
September 6, 2025 by 3 Comments
Photos from a water boy, last Round, 2025. Another superb collection of images from the Old Dog capturing so wonderfully the spirit of community and belonging through sport.Matt Zurbo loves Otway! [Cracking photos Old Dog! – Ed]
Almanac Footy: Western District Football Wrap
September 2, 2025 by Leave a Comment
With critical games in the Hampden League to determine Finals makeup, and Finals played in the Mininera and South West District Leagues, Dandy Andy presents his report on the matches played.
Almanac Footy: What Finals Take
September 2, 2025 by 1 Comment
Old Dog is 58, has played 730+ games. This was his message to his team when they didn’t make finals.
Almanac Books: ‘Premiership Reflections – The League Premierships of the Swan Districts Football Club’ (by Brian Dawson)
September 2, 2025 by 1 Comment
Brian Dawson, academic and former premiership coach of Swan Districts FC, has written a history of the club’s premierships in his recently published book ”Premiership Reflections – The League Premierships of the Swan Districts Football Club’. The book is now available for purchase.
Almanac Footy: A History of Australian Rules Football in Woomera 1948 to 1992 – Part 16:1987-1989
August 27, 2025 by 2 Comments
The years 1987 to 1989 saw a fluctuation of the number of teams participating, union unrest, the playing of unregistered players affecting teams and the formation of the Woomera FC feature in David Turpin’s continuing ‘A History of Australian Rules Football in Woomera 1948 to 1992’.
The Long and Winding Ride: Epilogue
August 27, 2025 by 7 Comments
What a brilliant journey we followed Peter Clark on; one full of country footy, vineyards and pioneering winemakers, pubs, cafes, a tranquil village in a peaceful valley, legendary footballers, Italian prisoners of war, Chinese fortune seekers, bushrangers, gold miners, hop growers and tobacco farmers, cattlemen, cheese makers, horsemen, road builders, artists, heroic World War II nurses, and bushfire fighters, and much more. Peter reflects on his highlights from the trip.
Almanac Footy: Western District Football Wrap
August 26, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Dandy Andy reviews the penultimate round of matches in the Hampden League, and the commencement of finals matches in the Minera and District League, and South West District League.
The Long and Winding Ride: Episode 16 – Edi to Cheshunt: Keep pedalling up the King
August 20, 2025 by 1 Comment
What a marvellous journey Peter Clarke has taken everyone on during his ‘Long and Winding Ride through the Ovens and King Valleys’! His final leg from Chestnut to Edi Peter recalls the many fine Italian wine makers and produce purveyors, the footy clubs and their success stories, and also the futility of war. [Congratulations Peter, this has been a superb series and a delight to read. Well done -Eds]
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