Claude Clifford – life in a trophy

A second trophy sets Matt Watson on a research mission. (There’s a lot in this story: the story itself, the nature of research, the helpfulness of people, the past’s intrigue – Ed)

Crio’s Racing : Almost Autumn

Crio reckons its Almost Autumn at Caulfield this weekend. Some good ones resuming in the Manfred Stakes, but the best is yet to come.

An explanation of sports capitalism (first published on CNN site)

Comrades, Stefan Symanski’s explanation of sports capitalism, showing the difference between US and European approaches. Definitely worth a read.

Melbourne Uni CC Brekkie with Boof Lehmann et al

We have a full table. Thanks.

Who do I send the invoice to?

Saint66 has REALLY had it with the cross-promotional advertising on televised sport. Who knew that My Restaurant Rules is now an Olympic sport?

Horseracing: A summer odyssey

Glen gathers the troops and heads to Corowa and to Hanging Rock for the races. Here’s how things panned out.

The ugly Australians

Matt Watson (or at least his alter ego – Pete the Builder) reckons Australia’s arrogance and attitude are over the top in the Ashes series. Discuss.

Crio’s Racing: Slim Christmas Pickings

Crio recommends rural racetracks for the Boxing Day punters. City meetings are ‘as thin as a boarding house scrape of butter’ to use a well-worn. But there’s a winner in every race and Crio’s crew are always on the lookout.

Perth Test – Day 3: Things I Saw Today

What a difference a few months make. Smokie Dawson contrasts England’s arrogant dominance in Manchester with their Day 3 capitulation under relentless Australian bowling and WACA heat.

Lachie Carter

This is all too sad. Pay your tribute.

Perth Test – Writers Needed

Let us know who wants to write for the Perth Test. Which day suits you? The side is in good form but more writers and opinions keeps the team on their toes.

The Footy Almanac Makes It To The Pages Of The Colac Herald

Luke ‘Funky’ Reynolds lets us know how the 2013 Almanac is being welcomed down in the Otways. The Colac Herald is the second biggest seller in the area after Dairy News Australia.

Adelaide Test – Day 4: One-sided cricket is no fun

Darren ‘Smokie’ Dawson is being referred to the House Committee for UnAustralian Activities. He thinks the cricket is too one-sided to be enjoyable. His son Brendan’s team had a good win, despite batting Watto at four.

Adelaide Test – Form Guide and Selections

Invers writes for us from his Tahiti base, with a review of Gabba performances and the possible lineup for Adelaide. He is relying on us to keep Australia’s momentum going, and salvage his reputation. Nominations please.

Crio’s Question: Will a team of a..holes beat an a..hole team?

Crio thinks ‘team bonding’ is over-rated. Does liking your team mates help performance? Let us know what you think.

Sledging – Don’t single out cricket

Matt Watson reckons sledging is a fact of life, and we should suck it up. See if you agree with him, or if you reckon he’s just a …………………………..

Wear your footy jumper at the launch tonight

Just to emphasise: writers, please wear a footy jumper at the Melbourne launch tonight. It’s a fun part of the evening. (Look in on wonder as middle-aged men squeeze into an old jumper bearing hoops.)

The best sports book award winner announced

The Guardian is at again, this time running excerpts from the best sports books in 2013. It’s a British award (what, no footy?), but buckle in nonetheless.

The ten best sports films

What, no footy films? The Guardian has listed its top celluloid depictions of blood, sweat and tears. Let’s hear about a few of yours.

On the streets

The phenomenon of hearing stories from a bunch of 17-year-olds in the lead-up to the draft can remind us of our own childhoods