A review of the 2013 Best and Fairest results (so far): an insight into game plans, what the coaches look for and backmen winning awards (?!)

It’s AFL Best and Fairest season, with all but the WA results now in. Sean Curtain gives his take on each of the clubs – what do you reckon? And who do you think will take out the remaining two?

AFL Grand Final: I went the Corp; 14 days on, Beautiful-Ugly, 11.11 Heaven, Tears, Redemption and Elvis.

Paul Campbell’s body goes corporate for the big game; but his mind is elsewhere. Think you can’t stand another Hawthorn gloat? Think again.

Guineas Day at Belmont (North)

Peter Baulderstone heads for the golf course, but finds that horses are never far away.

Beware the autobiography

Matt Watson owns over 500 sporting books. He lists his 10 favourites, and gives his views on what makes for a worthwhile read. Read his list and share yours.

AFL Grand Final: Daydream Island

Matt Quartermaine watches the Grand Final in Queensland, but his mind is on weightier matters. He coins a wonderful new term “insinserendipity” that is a lock for the next Macquarie Dictionary.

A Red, White and Black World

Yvette Wroby has found the Holy Trinity. The Louisville Cardinals; The Boston Red Sox and The Saints (in that order). All is right with her world.

(I’m Not) Interested in Ryobi

Luke Reynolds – Australia’s greatest cricket tragic since the Right Hon John Winston Howard Esq – protests that he’s not interested in the Ryobi Cup. I don’t believe him, but he’s bloody funny anyway.

The Mug Punter: Manangatang Cup Day

A very scratchy Mug has a look at today’s Caulfield program and finds a handy Shehu Shagari Special.

Crio’s Racing: Caulfield Guineas Day

As usual Chris Riordan opens the batting for Almanac punters, with a magisterial innings that dispatches a mammoth Group 1 Guineas day card to all parts of the boundary. The usual suspects are being lined up to also offer their tuppence (the residue of Epsom day) worth.

New Books in Sports

John Harms is interviewed as part of this 2 hour podcast by the amazing New Books in Sports network. There are interviews with biography and memoir authors from all over the world, coming at different sports from crazy diverse angles. Do yourself a favour and check out the links attached.

Animal Farm: from the new coach of the schoolyard mouse racing

David Wilson (on behalf of MT) explains why some mice are more equal than others. It’s got to do with Wizz Fizz (injected not snorted). Somehow I think this may be allegorical, but I’m not sure about what. See if you can decipher the hidden code.

AFL Grand Final: The Price You Pay – A Fairytale

It was the fairytale the public weren’t expecting, the Cinderella Hawks. Rick Kane argues that there were two standout periods that made this Grand Final great.

Three-teams footy: a winning experiment

Three teams. Three sets of goals. Three handles on the trophy. In the most unlikely match report you’ll read all year, Michael Green watches as an art experiment provides a thrilling nail-biter in Horsham and proves a roaring success.

It’s Guineas Day – but we are still trading places!

Sal Ciardulli sorts out the AFL trade week; cricket broadcast rights; decision referral system; and all the big group races at Caulfield and Randwick. If he lands the Melbourne quaddie, Barrack Obama is flying him to Washington DC to sort out the US budget impasse and resolve the Syrian civil war.

Gigs Ladder Comp Grand Final Update – We have a winner!

Gigs has a winner.

AFL Grand Final: Riding the bumps with a grin

Well, it took a prod and a push, but it had to come eventually folks. Sasha Lennon gives the unexpurgated Hawthorn view of the Grand Final. [He tries hard to be generous, but it’s very difficult for them – Ed]

Footys4all North Queensland Road Trip

What price the smile on the face of a kid with a new footy? Priceless. What price also a kid’s ability to run and chase with purpose with their own brand new ball in their possession? Again, priceless, says far North Queenslander Wesley Hulls. [Terrific story and ripper photo – Ed]

Play the NTFL Club Songs

Jackson Clark reveals that Palmerston FC have adopted the Handicapper’s most popular theme song: “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.”

Marathon Runners of the World: tell us your PB.

As Melbourne sadists prepare for their marathon, lover of all things running and sport, Peter Fuller, calls on athletes to register their better performances in what he is playfully calling the Almanac Marathon Hall of Fame. Which marathon? What time? [Have hardly owned a vehicle that could last 42km – Ed]

Ryobi Cup Week 1

Luke Reynolds summarises the first week’s games in the Ryobi Cup. More in sorrow than in anger, Luke faithfully reports the progress of our once great summer game.