One could almost feel the seismic shift in the competition last week when North Old Boys – St. Patrick’s comprehensively defeated Peninsula Old Boys at Gillon Oval. That rumbling was not tectonic plates shifting beneath us; indeed, it was the sound of the Pirates being dislodged from their perch at the top of the table [Read more]
Like a moth to a front porch light
July 13, 2012 by 2 Comments
By Jim Fidler What is it about those MCG lights from a distance? Despite having seen the lights of the MCG many times they are like a front porch light in summer and we are all the willing insects. Irresistible. The walk up to the ground has always created such a great sense of anticipation [Read more]
Trying Bunal
July 13, 2012 by 4 Comments
Greetings all for another installment, Back to Melbourne and back to the reality of winter weather. Once again no shortage of news, both worthy and unworthy. But this week focus is on the Match Review Panel and the tribunal. The majority of the discussion early in the week was about the injustice of the penalty [Read more]
Ireland and England 2012 Tour Review
July 13, 2012 by 5 Comments
After dominating India and the West Indies much was expected of the world number 1 ranked Australian one-day team on its tour of Ireland and England. Injured paceman Mitch Johnson and 19 year old Pat Cummins returned while Mike Hussey was a late withdrawal due to the birth of his 4th child, replaced in the [Read more]
changing pitch
July 12, 2012 by 2 Comments
four beers in things a little ragged down back and up forward winter frost yawning cracks in the back half Beams unsighted the moon hiding in the clouds needing a goal from anywhere Thomas from nowhere back in it the crowd’s noise changes pitch wellinghamagro [Read more]
The Second Law of Thermodynamics applied to Umpiring
July 12, 2012 by 7 Comments
In the last twenty years we have seen the introduction of all sorts of technology in most sports. The collection of statistics, the recording of physiological states of the players, both during a match and at training and the use of what I shall call digital technology to aid (?) umpiring are now far more [Read more]
Gold Coast footy alive and well
July 12, 2012 by 4 Comments
By Cheryl Critchley “Gee-long, Gee-long, Gee-long!” Some things never change, even 1800km from Sleepy Hollow. We’re at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast and the Cats’ Cheer Squad sounds as hick as ever. “Gee-long, Gee-long!” The small but dedicated band of “Southerners” is surrounded by Suns supporters decked out in their still [Read more]
Just off the pace
July 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
I was checking out the results of The Footy Almanac Tipping Competition (for which the prize is half a dozen bottles of red) and I noticed that Neil Kimpton was three clear on a score of 99. To be three clear in a comp of 80+ tippers seemed to me to be statistically significant. “99,” [Read more]
Standin’ on the outside lookin’ in
July 11, 2012 by 4 Comments
The Belconnen U16s mid-year season has been another terrific success with the touring party of Steve, Bernie and I returning safely to Canberra after what had been a weekend full of revelations and surprises. The trip provided insight into the machinations of Melbourne sport unimaginable only 5 days ago. And no bigger surprise came than [Read more]
Some thoughts on making some pizza money from Round 16.
July 11, 2012 by 3 Comments
JTH arguing the case for the Swans – yet again. Here he tries to find a winner in Round 16. http://tatts.com/news/2012/7/9/afl-round-16
Blacks fail to bounce back as Bloods loss cuts deep
July 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment
BLOODS SPEARED BY RUSTY NAIL AS BLACKS GRAB INFECTIOUS VICTORY Although most local footy fans in Melbourne would have been rejoicing at the sight of brilliant sunshine last Saturday morning, your correspondent was unfortunately feeling the pinch. After a heavy week of overnight sports viewing including Tour De France, Australia v England cricket and Wimbledon, [Read more]
1980 A Personal Footy Almanac – Round 15, Saturday 12 July, v Fitzroy, Junction Oval
July 11, 2012 by 1 Comment
To this point, the 1980 season had unfolded in a wonderfully rhythmic way for me and for Richmond. The humdrum school week improved steadily as each Saturday approached. Another Tiger win was just around the corner. Yes, always a win. Amazing how an 11 game winning sequence can feel like eternity. The week’s break upset [Read more]
The enthusiastic assistant coach
July 10, 2012 by 3 Comments
It is 7.45am on Saturday and as a new father with a three month old son I have clocked on for duty, Sophie is off to the Gym and her weekly hour of parental free R and R so I am solely responsible for the safety and well being of one Jack William Dodson. I [Read more]
WAFL Round 16: Top of the table slaughter
July 10, 2012 by 5 Comments
WAFL round 16 THE much-anticipated meeting of top teams Claremont and Swan Districts in round 16 of the WAFL turned out to be fizzier – unless you’re a fan of the Tigers who won the game by 97 points. I was over at Leederville Oval watching another high scoring encounter between East Perth and Peel. [Read more]
DA Puzzle of the Round (16)
July 10, 2012 by 6 Comments
Discover the world of David Astle here. But first, can you solve this week’s puzzle? From AFL to LA This week is where we play. Our footy fixture has ample venues, But we’re asking you to choose One in particular (take your pick) And so reveal a Spielberg flick. And before you yell a [Read more]
I’m cranky – it’s time for the footy mums to step up
July 10, 2012 by 9 Comments
After such a cracking win on Saturday night, I was rudely awaken from the momentary peace in the Saints world with news this morning that Jack Stevens was caught driving with 0.08 alcohol in his system on Sunday morning, he was fined and he will lose his licence for 6 months. The Club and the [Read more]
Four points in the bag…next
July 10, 2012 by 1 Comment
There’s not much to say that hasn’t been said about the abysmal game of Australian football between the Melbourne and Richmond clubs, but I’ll add a thought or two. Firstly, two acts stood out in the third quarter against a tide of turnovers, poor choices and first class comedy. One was from a predictable source, [Read more]
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