Rollercoasters

When Matt Zurbo’s rib is broken by big Bourkie in the twos, the Old Dog is told to retire. You can imagine his response.

Final DA Puzzle – Astle is hanging up the boots

David Astle is hanging up his boots and presents his final puzzle for the Footy Almanac. For all his fans on this site, please leave a comment below for a man who has tortured the minds of many (and left them craving more).

WAFL – Round 13: Swans sour Subi celebrations

It was meant to be Subiaco’s party, but Swan Districts was having none of it. Les Everett saw some good footy this week in the WAFL.

VAFA: Melbourne Uni Blacks v Old Scotch

The Black Hack reports on Melbourne Uni Blacks’ Round 9 matches.

Melbourne: the other potential coaching candidates

There’s a strong argument for Melbourne to be an innovator, and to look for something that will truly bring attention to the club, challenge the players and the status quo. With that, Sean Curtain has assembled a ‘second board’ of potential candidates Melbourne should not discount.

Cornes, Black, and other club games record holders

As Cobba rounds up the stats for Round 12, he contemplates two record-breaking milestones (and how they compare with his own efforts).

Another super foolish comeback story

Jeff Dowsing has always regretted giving away football in his early 20’s. Imagine the excitement levels when asked to play for the Plenty Valley Superules team last weekend. Can anyone who has embarked on a similarly ill-conceived comeback guess what happens next?

ICC Champions Trophy- Australia v Sri Lanka: Bundled out without a win

Australia is bundled out of the ICC Trophy without a win and, on this performance, Luke Reynolds has a feeling our one-day fortunes will get worse before they get better.

AFL Round 12 – Fremantle v Brisbane: Like a bag of spuds

His favourite seagull missing from its usual spot in the forward pocket; Jeff Farmer seemingly out of the side; conditions cold enough for the grog sheds of the WAFL to overflow with punters seeking warmth; it was going to be a tough day at Subiaco for Fremantle fan Peter Mudie. Still, four points…

AFL Round 12 – GWS Giants v Port Adelaide: Boys against men

For all the talk of the Giants becoming a powerhouse, Earl O’Neill sees gaping holes in their list. Still, their opponents across the bridge have shown how quickly it can be turned around.

AFL Round 12 – Richmond v Adelaide: The Basket Press Cup

While the typical football homily is to take it one week at a time the narrative for Richmond over the past 31 years has been about each season being another false dawn. Finally in 2013 it looks as if the sun is legitimately coming up.

AFL Round 12 – Review: The 2063 ‘Mopsy’ Fraser Cup

Earl O’Neill doesn’t have much faith in the new Melbourne rebuild, as this glimpse into the crystal ball will show.

AFL Round 12 – Review: The View from Shepparton

Peter Schumacher will be watching the soccer tonight – until Crocodile School comes on at 8. Come on people, crocodiles!

How to Watch Footy (part 14): Crutches

Football’s a crutch, writes Vin Maskell.

Riverton-Saddleworth-Marrabel Hawks v the Mintaro-Manoora Eagles

Photos by Peter Argent from the clash between The Riverton-Saddleworth-Marrabel Hawks and the Mintaro-Manoora Eagles at Clare Oval in South Australia’s North Eastern Football League.

Footy’s prolific Pom: 2.8 million words and counting

Peter Temple has alerted us to this Back Page Lead yarn on Lincolnshire historian John Devaney who has written extensively about Aussie Rules. Temple was so impressed (refer to the comments at the end of the story) he has offered $300 to start a fund to fly the historian to Australia.

Gareth Andrews joins Melbourne Superules FC

Richmond premiership star and Geelong vice-president Gareth Andrews (also of Life Again) is joining the Melbourne Superules Club for one night only.

AFL Round 12 – Essendon v Gold Coast: Play it again, Joe

Sam was worried – Essendon’s form against the expansion clubs isn’t good, and the Suns were actually in form. Then along came Joe.

AFL Round 12 – Collingwood v Western Bulldogs: Life as a barracker

Bulldogs fan Kerrie Soraghan faced the great existential questions of football when facing another forgettable loss on Sunday afternoon: Why am I here, and why does it matter? She finds an answer in the most unlikely of places.

Crio’s Question: The toughest gigs

Who would want to be a coach? And what are some of the less desirable positions that need to be filled in sporting clubs?