Old Dog wanted something personal, tribal, even guttural to experience the Grand Final. First he tried a pub in Fitzroy then found it among the ghosts of the Fitzroy of old at the Brunswick Street Oval as he explains in his cracking review of the game.
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]
Almanac Footy: A two piecer on the Brownlow – A modern rant, and an old Almanac short story
September 23, 2025 by 9 Comments
Matt Rowell is a deserving Brownlow Medallist, a player of influence and impact according to Old Dog. He presents his ‘modern Brownlow rant’ and a reprised Brownlow influenced short story first published on the site in 2012 for our enjoyment.
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: 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: 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 Footy: Men of mud!
August 15, 2025 by 7 Comments
Old Dog’s photos express so admirably the feelings of what there is to love about footy, especially country footy. [Cracking photos Old Dog, someone should make a book out of them! -Ed]
Round 21 – Adelaide v Hawthorn: Zoop, Zop, Zip!
August 2, 2025 by 6 Comments
Old Dog stayed up late to write about a superb game of footy played on the Adelaide Oval. [Great stuff Old Dog – JTH]
Almanac Books: ‘If I Could …’ – Matt Zurbo Book Launch (July 20)
July 9, 2025 by 2 Comments
Matt Zurbo invites all Almanackers, friends, kids, and grandkids to the July 20 launch of his new children’s book ‘If I Could …’. It will be a cracker!
Almanac Footy Teams: Old Dog’s Team with Character
June 20, 2025 by 4 Comments
Old Dog follows up his team of characters with a new team, a team of players WITH character.
Almanac Footy Teams: Old Dog’s Team of (Modern-day) Characters
June 13, 2025 by 5 Comments
Old Dog has picked a team of modern-day characters. Do you agree with him? Any of your own?
Round 10 – Gold Coast v Hawthorn: They spoilt me.
May 20, 2025 by 5 Comments
With an ice-pack at his back, Old Dog enjoyed the Gold Coast v Hawthorn match as he recovered from a crook back.
Almanac Footy: Photos from Otway Districts FC 125th Anniversary weekend
May 1, 2025 by 3 Comments
Otway Districts FC celebrated their 125th anniversary last weekend. Old Dog provides photographs of the memorable occasion.
Almanac Footy: Pride – Otway Districts FC 125th Year Celebrations Saturday 26 April
April 25, 2025 by 4 Comments
Otway Districts FNC is celebrating 125 years of football in the ranges this Saturday. It will be huge! Past players coming from everywhere. In honour of the occasion, Old Dog takes the time to talk to one of its best ever, his former teammate, Sammy Harriott, about what it means to play for the mighty Demons.
Almanac Footy: Let’s talk about Melbourne
April 7, 2025 by 3 Comments
What to make of the Dees? The dive has been distinct and Old Dog thinks he’s cottoned on to the fraying threads of a former heavyweight contender now soul searching as the Ship of Theseus that is AFL tactics sails forward.
Almanac Footy: Stubbornness Got Me This Far
April 5, 2025 by 7 Comments
After 719 games of footy, Old Dog is still committed to his beloved Otway Districts FC, and will be running the drinks across four grades on Saturday.
Almanac Life: Old Dog, the kid, a footy, the roof!
January 10, 2025 by 2 Comments
A small piece from Old Dog about kicking the footy with the kid when the obvious happens.
Grand Final 2024 – Sydney v Brisbane: Gameplans
September 29, 2024 by 13 Comments
The Old Dog watched the Grand Final at the Port Campbell pub, and this is his account of the day and the game.
Almanac Footy: Gloves off!
September 27, 2024 by 6 Comments
The Old Dog wants to get a few things about footy off his chest so he can relax and enjoy the Big One!
[Language warning -Ed]
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