“Sport is most interesting when it is not about sport, when it provides a means to peer into ourselves,” writes Braham Dabscheck. “This is especially true with the series ‘The Best American Sports Writing’, which has spent three decades trying to unravel what it is that is America.” Read his review here.
RIP Jack Whitaker – US Sportscaster: When it was more than a game
August 21, 2019 by 1 Comment
Legendary US Sportcaster Jack Whitaker who died last week aged 95 was a regular face on Australian TV in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Peter Baulderstone provides some links to his work and reflects on why his reporting legacy ennobled sports and us.
The 2019 Grantland Rice Cup
May 16, 2019 by 2 Comments
Earl O’Neill scans the footy writing landscape for writers he likes to read. He’s found he has to dig deep.
Almanac Tennis: It’s just too hot!
January 25, 2019 by 2 Comments
So how can we help turn off the sweat tap on Rafa’s nose and chin? Dave H discusses providing more comfortable playing conditions for tennis players during major tournaments.
Almanac Tennis – Has Kooyong had the gong?
January 10, 2019 by 7 Comments
During The Kooyong Classic, Rick checks out Melbourne’s legendary former tennis home and all its memories. but is disappointed by what he sees, acknowledging the glory days of the past have well and truly faded.
Almanac Cricket Dinner: Joe Darling biography with Bernard Whimpress and Graeme Ryan
October 12, 2018 by 2 Comments
Col had a wonderful night gaining fabulous insights into the extraordinary life of Joe Darling: cricketer, farmer, politician and family man.
Book Launch – Balancing Acts: Women in Sport (11th of May)
May 1, 2018 by 2 Comments
“Balancing Act” looks at the experiences of women around sport and its culture. Readings in Carlton will launch the book next Friday (11th of May) featuring pieces by Almanac editor Kasey Symons and a raft of other talented women. Read on for more details on how to attend and/or purchase the book with a discount.
Konrad Marshall at the Sportswriter’s Festival: I’ve got a lot to learn…
March 22, 2018 by 9 Comments
Kasey Symons went along to hear Konrad Marshall, author of “Yellow & Black: A Season With Richmond” speak at the Sportswriter’s Festival. Could she write a similar book about the team she loves? How do you overcome your bias when writing? Could she write about another club?
Book Club with Konrad Marshall: Listen here
March 7, 2018 by 3 Comments
Jack Banister and Gordon Hunter-Merdeith interviewed Konrad Marshall, author of Yellow and Black, A Season with Richmond, for the latest episode of their podcast, The People’s Game. Take a listen.
Sports Writers Festival – a terrific event organised by Francis Leach
October 9, 2017 by 3 Comments
Sports Writers Festival 2017: Yvette Wroby, Kate O’Hallaran and Yoshi Imagawa are just three of the Almanackers who are heading to the Sports Writers Festival 2017 in Melbourne come 28-29th October. Yvette is champing at the bits. There are some terrific speakers.
UK Footy and the GB Swans
July 31, 2017 by 5 Comments
GB Swans Assistant Coach Ian Mitchell is excited to be heading to Australia for another International Cup. In his Almanac debut, he shares his experiences of footy in the UK, from founding his own club to beers with Brad Ottens!
Almanac Book Review – In Black and White: 125 Moments That Made Collingwood
December 6, 2016 by 3 Comments
Phil Dimitriadis reviews new publication In Black and White: 125 Moments That Made Collingwood, a comprehensive history of the Magpies written by two black-and-white tragics that will surely appeal to Collingwood fans far and wide.
Almanac Books: Champions All extract – Ian Paton The Club Soldier
September 29, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Continuing our highlights from Old Dog’s book, Champions All, an excerpt from the Chapter: The Club Soldier, Ian Paton, Hawthorn.
Almanac Books: Champions All – A History of AFL/VFL Football in the Players’ Own Words – Part 1
September 1, 2016 by 10 Comments
Matt Zurbo has a new book published called Champions All – A History of AFL/VFL Football in the Players’ Own Words . In this extract players talk about the clubs in the 2010s from Adelaide to GWS.
Almanac Review: Our Sporting Life (Griffith Review’s recent sports edition)
August 1, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Tom Stephen has had a look at Our Sporting Life, Griffith Review (53).
Almanac (Footy) Linguistics: AFL Terminology
The dictionary defines ‘pithy’ as ‘terse and vigorously expressive’. Dips gets pithy about the over-used sobriquet ‘blockbuster’.