AFL Round 18 – Carlton v North Melbourne: The Roos Blues and no thanks to youse

The Roos Blues and No Thanks to Youse! To be honest, I haven’t watched too much of the Big League over the last ten years. I play and breathe bush footy, not AFL. The marketing boys have done well to brand us all with their label. I take in enough games, or bits of games, [Read more]

AFL Round 17 – Adelaide v Hawthorn: A High Seas Backman

Old Dog is on the high seas, crossing Bass Strait, with the footy on. Terrific account of the game and comment on how we see the game, and how commentators see the game, and how votes are handed out. [Nice Jim Jess reference too – Ed]

Poetry: Ride Them Like Jockeys

Old Dog detects from the collective response in the airport lounge that the people have a better sense of the spirit of the game than those who run it.

Adelaide is Lying

Old Dog finds meaning in Adelaide.

Off Season Odyssey – Part 13: The Word, Mates and Country Legends

This piece was written by Matt Zurbo two years ago about the single best bloke he met through playing footy. Hit by a car training for his 22nd year of Seniors. In loving memory.

Brian Brown is a corker bloke

Old Dog catches up with Brian Brown, father of Jonathan, in south-western Victoria.

All Sorts of Football Legends

Matt Zurbo gives us a hint at what he’s been doing for the last 18 months, and requests assistance.

Leaving

As he observes a lower-grade park cricket match, Matt Zurbo identifies with the pace of the game.

Omens and Superstitions

So what is the omen that has guaranteed Turbo Zurbo’s local club a premiership?

The (off) season of money: changing times and changing meanings in grass roots footy

Interesting observation of the changing meaning of footy – even at grass roots level.

A Hole in my Town

In this piece The Old Dog talks about how much is lost in a town and a club without the next generation breathing life into the place.

Cracks and Sizzles

Matt Zurbo is not a cricketer, but he has played a few times. [some interesting reflections on the game, and a nice comparison with footy – Ed]

The Perfect Kick (Really)

Matt Zurbo has nailed the perfect kick – once or twice in millions.

AFL Grand Final: Bad Sex

The Grand Final left Matt Zurbo mightily unsatisfied.

AFL Grand Final: Me Hero!

Brian Lake is a Footballer.

16,000,000 into 22

The big day.

My Old Man the Tiger

Matt Zurbo, his Dad and the Richmond footy club expunge the rubbish.

I love footy

Matt Zurbo has written and illustrated a children’s book about footy. It’s a beauty.

From Gospel to Black and White Minstrels

Matt Zurbo celebrates the AFL club songs. [Warning: includes Good Old Collingwood.]

Milne

There is no separation of Church and State on this one. Matt Zurbo says that there are a few factors at work in the Milne case, and at times the wrong considerations are driving understanding and decision-making.