Wangaratta Rovers have lost one of their greats, Merv Holmes, who passed away last week. KB Hill reprises an earlier tribute to ‘Farmer’ Holmes.
Almanac Country Footy Families: The Halls of Buln Buln
July 7, 2021 by 10 Comments
Citrus Bob has sent us a famous photo of a Dad, John Hall,and his sevens sons on the day they all played in the Buln Buln seconds.
The Merger Trilogy: The Room Where It Happened
July 5, 2021 by 3 Comments
The ultimate fate of Fitzroy in the AFL was decided by a group of middle-aged men in suits at Punt Road Oval, as William Westerman recounts in this conclusion to his trilogy marking 25 years since the first (and hopefully only) merger in VFL/AFL history was confirmed.
Paul Ahern finds his opportunity knocking at the Northern Bullants
July 3, 2021 by 2 Comments
Daniel Kelly talks with Northern Bullants emerging leader Paul Ahern to discover his people’s background and his experiences in both the AFL and the VFL.
Almanac Local Footy: Northern Bullants give ex-VFL affiliates the Blues
July 1, 2021 by 1 Comment
Daniel Kelly took great delight in watching the Northern Bullants record their first win of the 2021 season – all the more so because it came against Carlton!
‘Josh negotiates the obstacles on his footy journey…’ by KB Hill
July 1, 2021 by 1 Comment
KB Hill charts the setbacks endured by Josh Newton and his determination to fight back every time.
The Merger Trilogy: A Man Walked Into a Bar
June 28, 2021 by 5 Comments
It was 25 years ago that one of the most significant and earth-shaking events in the VFL/AFL’s 124 year history took place. William Westerman (author of ‘Merger’) has a three-part series on the machinations around Fitzroy’s path from proud original club to subject of administration and economic rationalisation. This is the first part of the trilogy.
Winning in Wyche – Part 3: Pressure unearths diamonds
June 24, 2021 by Leave a Comment
It’s 1969. Despite some injury woes, Wycheproof-Narraport have put together a handy Under 16 footy team. However, the League seems to have a wealth of talented young players across some very good junior sides. Sean Mortell gives us the next installment of a memorable season up the bush.
‘Fond farewell to Lex and Les…legends of the past’ by KB Hill
June 24, 2021 by 1 Comment
KB Hill recalls the lives and achievements of two legends of the north-east, Les Reed and Lex Nicoll, both of whom passed away in recent weeks.
Almanac Country Football: Wimmera Football League and the Nhill Football Club
June 17, 2021 by 4 Comments
Richard Davis takes us to Nhill in a thriving Wimmera footy environment for a game featuring the club he has supported for decades. That support has always been from afar; this was the first time Richard has ever watched them play in the flesh!
‘Pigeon Bert reflects on a lifetime career in football…’ by KB Hill
June 17, 2021 by Leave a Comment
‘His is a familiar tale, replicated by countless volunteers throughout the state ……. Of the old champ, having hung up his boots after a storied career, rolling up his sleeves and devoting decades of service to his beloved Club.’ KB Hill talks with Yarrawonga icon, Robert Tait.
Almanac Rugby League: The suburban game
June 10, 2021 by 2 Comments
Mario Facchini’s gorgeous photograph captures the delights of suburban rugby league at Henson Park as well as aspects of the changing face of the game.
Almanac Footy: Podcast Review – Hay 1992: Triple Treat by Rod Gillett
June 8, 2021 by 2 Comments
Rod Gillett reviews country football broadcaster Robbie Mackinlay’s latest podcast, ‘Hay 1992 – Triple Treat’ recalling how the Hay FC set up their premiership win in 1992.
Almanac (Footy) Memoir: Snakes in the goal square
June 8, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Sports journalist Ron Reed tells more fabulous footy tales from the Dennington Dogs; this time, the ‘bit unusual’ Robbo, the snake catcher.
Almanac Football History – Darkness and Light: The remarkable and tragic story of the Banks family
June 7, 2021 by 23 Comments
A rich and engaging tale of the Banks family, in particular two extraordinary brothers, Tom and Albert, who made history in Victoria and Western Australia over a century ago, shared here by John Gordon. [Exceptional story. Ed.]
‘One of Chiltern’s Finest……’ by KB Hill
June 3, 2021 by Leave a Comment
KB Hill talks to octogenarian Billy Peake, an icon in the annals of the Chiltern Football Club.
Almanac Footy (and Life): Life through the prism of football
May 27, 2021 by 2 Comments
Tom Stone, one of Tanunda’s ‘Sprocket Rockets’, looks back at life through the prism of his experiences in Australian football.
Almanac Footy: Hair raiser!
May 25, 2021 by 1 Comment
Country footy at its best is reflected in Peter Argent’s words and image.
” ‘Leroy’……Loyal To The Core” by KB Hill
May 20, 2021 by 1 Comment
KB Hill talks with Wang Rovers icon Leigh Hartwig and recalls the tennis exploits of Leigh’s father, Davis Cup hero Rex Hartwig.
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