The Almanac has been featuring quite a bit of Fitzroy FC history in recent times. John Harms continues the trend with this piece about Fitzroy’s 1898 premiership season. It also coincides with Anzac Day as one of Fitzroy’s footballers, Stan Reid, whose story is told in the piece, was killed during the Boer War. [Make yourself a cuppa for this one – Ed]
‘The man behind the story of the Saints’ 1970 glory……’ by KB Hill
April 23, 2020 by 2 Comments
KB Hill loves promoting anything positive about country sport, especially in Victoria’s north-east. Today he puts in a good word for David Johnston’s recently released book, ‘1970 – the Year of the Saints’.
Country Footy: You wouldn’t like a game would you?
April 21, 2020 by 8 Comments
Inspired by the opening chapter of Footy Town, and a case of the lock down blues, Neil Anderson remembers his Panmure career that might have been.
Three icons
April 20, 2020 by 3 Comments
Citrus Bob shares the stories of three individuals who played big roles in sport and society around Mildura and beyond. In memory of Tony Osler, Brian Weightman and Michael Bowden.
Rising from the cellar: Fitzroy’s outstanding 1979 season
April 20, 2020 by 18 Comments
A teenage Philip Mendes watched his beloved Lions break a 19 year-old finals drought in 1979. He recounts every game of that breakthrough season. [Sit back and enjoy – Ed].
Almanac (Fitzroy FC) History – Round 16, 1919: ‘Bloater’s’ Dozen Torments Battling Redlegs
April 17, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Bloater Merrick had a day out (in Spanish-flu ridden 1919) as his Maroons smashed the hapless Fuchsias at Brunswick Street. This is one of FitzroyPete Carter’s stories from his recently released book Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century. [With link to where you can buy the book – Ed]
Footy Town
April 14, 2020 by 32 Comments
Footy Town: Stories of Australia’s Game is out now.
Read the blurb and Daff’s foreword to this collection of 48 local footy yarns.
Almanac Footy History: Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century
April 13, 2020 by 4 Comments
Longtime friend of the Almanac Fitzroy Pete (Carter) has written a book: Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century. Here he explains the origins of his love of Fitzroy, as well as something about the book which is now available. [Do yourself a favour- JTH]
The Rejuvenation of the South Purrumbete Recreation Reserve
April 10, 2020 by 11 Comments
On the brink of being sold less than a decade ago, the South Purrumbete Recreation Reserve is slowly being brought back to life. Luke Reynolds reports on an enthusiastic local who is leading the charge to restore the last remaining community asset in the tiny farming community.
“Covid-19 and regional clubs” from The Saturday Paper
April 6, 2020 by 1 Comment
An institution in the social livelihoods of everyday Australia, local footy clubs have been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. The Saturday Paper has the details from the ground by a few from those very clubs.
Almanac Rugby League – Tigers, Tigers, burning bright
April 2, 2020 by 1 Comment
Our series of rugby league stories continues with Ian Hauser’s account of Grand Final Day 2015 in the NSW CRL’s Group 9 competition. Playing in three of the day’s five matches, the Gundagai Tigers were out to claw their way to premiership glory after years and years of missed opportunities.
‘Old Pie treads down Memory Lane……’ by KB Hill
April 2, 2020 by 2 Comments
Trevor Steer’s football and cricket resume makes for some reading! A Collingwood Life Member, he could have been a dual premiership winner except for two agonising twists of fate. KB Hill recounts Trevor’s career in both Melbourne and the bush.
Fred Goldsmith in Retrospect
March 30, 2020 by 8 Comments
Fred Goldsmith is the only specialist full-back to ever win the Brownlow Medal. Richard Davis offers this retrospective profile.
Almanac (Family and Footy) History: At the end of the day, everyone just wants to come home.
March 27, 2020 by 8 Comments
Every week when Fitzroy plays the season proper – home and away, in the heat of battle or on the training track – a man mountain clad in club gear can be seen cheering them on. That man’s name is David Leydon and his family, like no other, represents the face of Fitzroy old and new. Beautifully written by Gabby Murphy, this is their story.
Almanac Rugby League – Grand Finals in Group 9: a reporter’s view from inside the fence
March 26, 2020 by 3 Comments
Liam Hauser continues our series of stories from rugby league’s back catalogue. He recalls his experiences reporting Grand Final clashes in Group 9 for local newspapers in the Riverina.
Season 38
March 18, 2020 by 9 Comments
Saddling up for footy season 38, Old Dog has road trips on the mind, along with a few other matters.
A memory of Swansea Swans/Bulldogs: Gone, but not forgotten
Every country footy club is someone’s footy club. The recently out of commission Swansea is Allan Barden’s. A story at once unique yet wholy familiar from the East Coast of Tasmania. [Exceptional – Ed.]