Saddling up for footy season 38, Old Dog has road trips on the mind, along with a few other matters.
Zamora – Soccer and life in Venezuela
December 13, 2019 by 2 Comments
Life in Venezuela can be very tough for the ordinary citizen. It’s sport, especially soccer that people turn to for relief as Matt Zurbo explains.
Almanac Flashback – The Melbourne Cup: Matt Zurbo
November 5, 2019 by 9 Comments
In an Almanac Flashback from 2014, Matt Zurbo reflects on the traditions of racing, from about as far away from the glamour of Flemington as you can get.
Almanac Flashback – A Story-Teller’s Story Can Be A Beautiful Thing
October 22, 2019 by 11 Comments
Here is a fabulous Footy Almanac Flashback from Matt Zurbo about his good mate Bruce Pascoe. Ripper read!
Grand Final – Richmond v GWS: Damage
September 29, 2019 by 15 Comments
Old Dog’s Grand Final thoughts have been a must-read on the Almanac site for years. And this one on Richmond’s thrashing of GWS is no different. He describes and analyses and thinks about what it all means from a shed in south-east Tassie. [Thanks Old Dog – JTH]
Preliminary Final – Richmond v Geelong: They Say Nobody Watches the Same Game of Football
September 23, 2019 by 7 Comments
Old Dog reviews the Richmond-Geelong game that he saw, with his trademark description, analysis and respect for the players. [Kelly’s a bit stiff missing a vote – JTH]
Colts
August 29, 2019 by 11 Comments
A terrific piece by Matt Zurbo on the inception of the Dodges Ferry Colts (in Tassie), a side that has given the senior club a youthful boost.
Ken Fraser, Lazar, Bourke, Winmar and Ricky
August 23, 2019 by 3 Comments
Old Dog was recently the special guest at an Almanac lunch at the North Fitzroy Arms where we launched his book Heart & Soul. He brought some guests whom he’s met along the way. It was a memorable day, as he explains.
Almanac Lunch Report – Matt Zurbo’s ‘Heart & Soul’
July 22, 2019 by 4 Comments
E Regnans had never met Matt Zurbo until he went to the Almanac Lunch at the North Fitzroy Arms Hotel to hear him talk about ‘Heart & Soul’ and introduce some of the well-known footballers he interviewed for the book. [Sounds like a cracking lunch – Ed]
Almanac Flashback: Off Season Odyssey – Part 37: Blighty!
July 17, 2019 by 26 Comments
With Matt Zurbo lunching at the North Fitzroy Arms this Friday, let’s revisit his 2012 road trip, where he caught up with none other than Malcolm Blight.
Matt Zurbo and his efforts profiled in the New York Times
July 12, 2019 by 3 Comments
Matt Zurbo and his project are profiled in the New York Times! “He’s Writing 365 Children’s Books in 365 Days, While Holding Down a Day Job – Matt Zurbo’s challenge, named after his daughter, Cielo, is an unconventional labor of love.”
Round 12 – Collingwood v Melbourne: One on one, Gawn v Grundy
June 11, 2019 by 5 Comments
Matt Zurbo turned on the TV on Queen’s Birthday to watch the battle within a battle. He gave the points to Max Gawn despite Brodie Grundy’s Collingwood winning the encounter.
Almanac Footy Books (and Lunches): An extract from Matt Zurbo’s ‘Heart & Soul’ – Ken Hunter
June 6, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Matt Zurbo spent many years chatting to footballers and produced a fine collection of the interviews. A new edition of the book Heart & Soul has been published by Geoff Slattery. This post includes an extract from the book – an interview with Ken Hunter. The book will be celebrated (launched?) at The Footy Almanac/Odd Friday Lunch at the North Fitzroy Arms on July 19. All welcome.
Honestly…
May 16, 2019 by 16 Comments
Old Dog has had a gutful of the haters in the peanut (comments) gallery. Herein lies his opine on D.Rampe, characters and missed opportunities…
Almanac Anniversaries: A Quick Thank You from Matt Zurbo
May 9, 2019 by 6 Comments
Matt Zurbo looks at the clock and realises he’s been writing for the Almanac for ten years. He’s a do-er. But he stops for a minute to think about why. [Thanks Matt. It’s yours as much as anyone’s. – JTH]
Thirty Metres
April 12, 2019 by 4 Comments
Matt Zurbo’s back doing what he does best; writing from the heart, stories about footy and footy clubs, mates, good times, life and living, and being the best you can, all written in his own laconic style.
Half time
Oh to be a fly on the wall in Round 1 – Matt Zurbo takes us into the “fictional” inner sanctum of a club in the time of coronavirus.