“ ‘Mouse’…….the opportunist……..” by KB Hill

His nickname may have been ‘Mouse’ but Shane Wohlers roared his way through a very successful career in the Ovens and Murray League. KB Hill takes up the story.

(Covid) Training for Two

Old Dog has been busy – he’s turned his formidable experience on footy grounds to a guide for training when coronavirus has got you down or even just distanced. All you need is a footy and a mate. [A variation of ‘three-drop’ has always been one of my faves too – Ed.]

Almanac Junior Footy: Golden memories of little league glory

Mark Hodgetts is gazing forward at a golden anniversary of eternal glory – albeit on a small scale – the victorious South Barwon Koalas’ season, winners of the local little league in 1971. [Lovely memoir – Ed]

Almanac Footy History: Sir Doug Nicholls and a surprise (for some)

This weekend would have been Indigenous Round in the AFL. It’s named after Sir Doug Nicholls. Historian (and the ultimate footy person) Rod Gillett reminds us of Sir Doug’s story – and tells us that he’s actually eligible for a significant New South Wales side. [Beaut piece Rocket – JTH]

Almanac Life: Video Store

According to Smokie Dawson, Netflix has nothing on the social interaction which the local video store once provided.

” ‘Nana’ guides Spiders to footy ‘Nirvana’ ” by KB Hill

KB Hill brings us another reflection from almost a century ago with the tale of Ray ‘Nana’ Baker and the Corowa Spiders.

1995: Bernie’s Boys make Cocky Crows eat humble pie

It will be 25 years this coming Wednesday since the Roys’ produced their last truly great performance in the VFL/AFL – Fitzroy Pete has shared with us his piece on that famous victory, featured as part of his book ‘Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century’.

The North Fitzroy Post Office and the 5.95 Degrees of Separation

It really is a small world. The Fitzroy North Post Office has provided John Milton with quite a few links since meeting John Harms there.

Almanac Footy History – Wilfred Smallhorn: The Remarkable Chicken

Adam Muyt recounts the wonderful story of Fitzroy FC legend, Wilfred ‘Chicken’ Smallhorn.

Almanac Life (and training): It’s 10.30pm

Old Dog has been out late, running to get the kilometres into his legs, sharing the night with an owl, also sharing some insights into training in the age of coronavirus.

‘The Golden Era of the Redlegs……’ by KB Hill

KB Hill takes us back a century to recount the amazing success of the Rutherglen Redlegs in the Ovens and Murray League. (Includes some great old photos to enjoy. – Ed.)

Almanac Memoir: A new chum’s introduction to Australian Football

John Milton had never heard of Australian Football until he was asked to fix an antenna on a ship off the New South Wales coast. Here’s how his footy life has unfolded. [A wonderful memoir of life and love and the places they take you – JTH]

‘Jovial Jack Fergie……’ by KB Hill

KB Hill tells us about Jack Ferguson, the Wangaratta Magpies champion full-back and, later, 3NE radio commentator extraordinaire. He was a pretty good shoe salesman, too!

Almanac Footy History: 65 years ago Kevin Murray plays his first game for the Fitzroy FC

Fitzroy great, Kevin Murray is paid a fitting tribute by David Leydon to celebrate the 65th anniversary of his first game of VFL football.

Almanac Footy History: Fitzroy premiers again in 1899

In the second of his Grand Finals series, John Harms tells the story of the Maroons premiership amid the push for Federation in 1899.

Almanac Book Review – Roy Hay’s Aboriginal People and Australian Football in the Nineteenth Century: They Did Not Come from Nowhere

We bring you two highly respected thinker-writers in the field of sport and sports history: Braham Dabscheck reviews Roy Hay’s recent book Aboriginal People and Australian Football in the Nineteenth Century: They Did Not Come from Nowhere.

“Pure Fantasy?…… Hawks and Pigeons in a Nail-biter” by KB Hill

KB Hill was at Findlay Oval for Round 1 of the 2020 O&M season – and what a cracker of a game to start the new year! Could the new-look Hawks scatter the Pigeons?

Short (footy) films from country Victoria – Part 3: by Malcolm McKinnon

The last series of videos that make up Malcolm McKinnon’s short film collection on Victorian country football.

Short (footy) films from country Victoria – Part 2: by Malcolm McKinnon

Malcolm McKinnon’s series of short films on country football in Victoria continues with six more videos.

Almanac Film: Short (footy) films from country Victoria – Part 1

Some time back, Malcolm McKinnon turned his film-making skills to country footy. Here are nine short films.