William Westerman concludes his account of the Fitzroy Lions/Brisbane Bears merger by placing it into its historical context and finds that, although it was ‘a tragedy, it was also the birth of something unique and special.’
Almanac Footy History: The First State of Origin Football Game – Changi POW Camp January 1943
February 10, 2026 by 4 Comments
The first State of Origin Aussie Rules football match occurred in the Changi POW Camp in 1943 states ‘Grand Final History’ (Kieran Magee) as he examines the historical facts behind the occasion in his in-depth account of the event.
Almanac Travel: Changi Chapel/Museum and Singapore reprise
January 24, 2026 by 1 Comment
Ian Wilson and partner Lynda Harris conclude their latest overseas trip with a humbling visit to the Changi Chapel/Museum in Singapore.
Almanac Footy: Fitzroy Football Club’s season stars in the modern era – Best and Fairest votes, Brownlow Medal votes and leading goalkickers 1970-1996
January 9, 2026 by 6 Comments
Philip Mendes presents another fascinating historical look at the Fitzroy FC looking at the stars of the club from the modern era.
Almanac History – The Dismissal: 50 Years On
November 11, 2025 by 18 Comments
Today marks the 50th anniversary of The Dismissal, a watershed moment in Australian political history. Where were you? When did you hear about it? Who were you with? How did you feel? What were your reactions?
Almanac Poetry: The Story of Fisher’s Ghost Creek
November 3, 2025 by 5 Comments
‘Tis the season (of sorts); Kevin Densley follows on from his spooky Halloween poem with a reprise of an older work on Fisher’s Ghost Creek.
Almanac Books: An Extract – ‘Touchstone: Racing, Racing Men and Racehorses’ by RM Griffiths & MG Bird
October 28, 2025 by 1 Comment
Samuel Griffiths witnessed his first Melbourne Cup in 1877 at the tender age of nearly 12 years. His great grandson Richard Griffiths co wrote a rollicking yarn with Murray Bird about Samuel’s life in ‘Touchstone: Racing, Racing Men and Racehorses The life and times of Samuel Griffiths 1865-1937’. The Footy Almanac presents an extract from the book.
Almanac Books: The Fifty Books of Bernard
July 25, 2025 by 12 Comments
Friends gathered with Bernard Whimpress to help him celebrate the fifty books he has published over many years, and to acknowledge his recently announced award of an Order Of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to literature as a sportswriter and author.
Almanac Poetry: Sunday Night Country Devotions
July 22, 2025 by 7 Comments
In this Campbell Bairstow poem, he remembers the joy and the suffering of watching VFL footy replays on the family farm in Western Australia. His faith survived.
The Long and Winding Ride: Episode 11 – Tarrawingee to Eldorado: In Search of El Dorado
July 16, 2025 by 3 Comments
Some gold fossicking, drinking a ‘superb Durif, crossing paths with bushrangers, and a beer in Victoria’s smallest pub are all part of Peter Clark’s ride from Tarawingee to Eldorado. And some footy history as well.
Almanac Footy: Sel Murray – North Melbourne’s super boot
July 14, 2025 by 5 Comments
The North Melbourne FC recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary in the VFL/AFL. Roger highlights the playing career of one of the Kangas great champions, full-forward Sel Murray in an in-depth and enlightening tribute.
Almanac Life: Ye Old Gladstone Bag
July 1, 2025 by 14 Comments
A bag with character, weight and history – Allan Barden recalls fondly the Gladstone of years past, a ubiquitous fixture for gents of generations and one stop shop for the trainer at local footy clubs. [I’m sure my grandfather has kept his lawn bowls in one too – Ed.]
Almanac Poetry: ‘Retrospect’ – T J Le Cheminant
June 20, 2025 by 1 Comment
Paul Noonan presents a war poem written by his great-uncle Thomas Le Cheminant reflecting the death of his mate during WW1.
Almanac Motor Bikes: The Story of JP 056 – Fifty Years in the Making
June 11, 2025 by 5 Comments
Colac identity, Graeme Creighton was the first person to register a Honda Gold Wing in Australia in 1975. Stan Kluzek tells Graeme’s story and his Gold Wing, the largest of Honda’s road bikes at that stage.
The Long and Winding Ride: Episode 2 – Bright to Tawonga: Through the Gap
May 14, 2025 by 3 Comments
Episode 2 of ‘The Long and Winding Ride’ has Peter Clark cycling from Bright to Tawonga enjoying the local produce and discovering some footy history of the area.
The Long and Winding Ride: Episode 1 – Harrietville to Bright: Winding down the Great Valley Trail
May 7, 2025 by 8 Comments
Peter Clark commences ‘The Long and Winding Ride’ riding from Harrietville to Bright along the Great Valley Trail.
Almanac Life: Why April 26 is the real test
April 26, 2025 by 17 Comments
Ex-serviceman Ian Wilson presents his insights about ANZAC Day as well as some thought provoking suggestions as a means for future commemorations.
Almanac Poetry: ‘The Great War – AIF Suite’
April 25, 2025 by 27 Comments
Kevin Densley’s ‘The Great War – AIF Suite’ poetry collection is as timely as ever on Anzac Day. Read on for some poignant and arresting reflections on Australian soldiers who fought in World War One. [For ANZAC Day 2025 we reprise Kevin’s reflective set of WW1 poems- ED]
Happy Australian Independence Day, everyone!
March 3, 2025 by 3 Comments
Mickey McTigger wishes you all a wonderful Independence Day (of sorts). He explains what it’s all about.
Almanac Comment: MCC Library – a place of reflection, conversation, discovery and respect
The Melbourne Cricket Club Library is 177 years old. Citrus Bob Utber and others pay their respects to this institution of reflection, conversation, and discovery for members, scholars, researchers and the general public.