Life Speeds Up

Time has changed for Old Dog. But some things remain the same.

(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 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.

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.

Season 38

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

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

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

Here is a fabulous Footy Almanac Flashback from Matt Zurbo about his good mate Bruce Pascoe. Ripper read!

Grand Final – Richmond v GWS: Damage

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

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

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

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’

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 Lunch (with Matt Zurbo’s book launch): Ken Fraser, Lazar, Chicken and Me

Matt Zurbo’s new book, ‘Heart and Soul’, will be launched tomorrow at a lunch at the North Fitzroy Arms Hotel. All welcome. Here’s a tasty morsel, written by Matt himself, of what’s in store. Do yourself a favour…

Almanac Flashback: Off Season Odyssey – Part 37: Blighty!

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.

Almanac/Odd Friday Lunch: Matt Zurbo and his new book Heart & Soul (today)

Come and celebrate with one of the Almanac’s favourite sons, Matt Zurbo, as his new book ‘Heart and Soul: Footy Stories by those who played the Game’ is launched on Friday 19th July. Join us for lunch at the The North Fitzroy Arms Hotel,  296 Rae St, North Fitzroy for a day of ripping yarns and tales.

Matt Zurbo and his efforts profiled in the New York Times

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.”

Almanac Writers – Matt Zurbo: Some mighty fine writing!

Matt Zurbo has published many excellent stories on the Footy Almanac site over many years, so, do yourself a favour and check some of them out.

Round 12 – Collingwood v Melbourne: One on one, Gawn v Grundy

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

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.