By Tom Dixon The A-League now well into it’s 7th season and crowds are slowly building to a sustainable level. Brisbane Roar are helping the cause by entertaining fans and dishing out weekly football lessons to their opponents. New teams such as Melbourne Heart still need a lot of support though, and everyone must feel [Read more]
A navy blue and white comparative
December 2, 2011 by 16 Comments
By James Grapsas On 4 October 2011, Ben Jensen wrote an informative analysis of the best teams of all time (Geelong ninth best team of all time). Geelong’s feat of winning three premierships in five years (including four Grand Finals), which was ranked 9th in the article, soon brought to mind the performance of Carlton [Read more]
Premier Cricket Preview – Round 8
December 2, 2011 by 3 Comments
Hopefully our match starved Premier Cricketers will take the field this weekend. Round 8 is a Saturday/Sunday (3rd & 4th December) fixture. The heavy rains that hitMelbourne over the previous two weekends sabotaged Round 7,Geelong v Casey South Melbourne the only game to get a start on either of the past two Saturdays. It [Read more]
AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND – 1ST TEST, DAY ONE
December 2, 2011 by 17 Comments
By Matt O’Connor I made a horrible error this morning, and forgot about the one hour time difference that Queenslanders insist upon preserving for no apparent reason. I tuned into Channel 9 at 10am Eastern Summer Time, thinking that its pre-match palaver might provide me with a few tit-bits for my Day One report. [Read more]
Almanac Rugby League – Artie
December 1, 2011 by 5 Comments
It’s a sad, sad day for lovers of rugby league the world over with the death of Artie Beetson at the all too young age of 66. The achievements, awards, acclamations, will be fully documented in the coming days. Among all the things that will be said and read, perhaps a telling indicator of [Read more]
Crio’s Racing: Summer comes with the Cricket
December 1, 2011 by 1 Comment
The Brisbane Test formalises summer’s arrival and, with it, Racing’s requirement to relinquish theatre-goers’ interest. But, much like modern cricket schedules, racing grinds on away from the spotlight. Serious punters might be battling for cash to send around – all businesses are tight and, for punters, results have been dire of late. Last Friday night’s [Read more]
Brisbane Test Blog
December 1, 2011 by 37 Comments
The Australians may need name tags. For that matter, so may some of the Kiwis. But summer is here folks! And so’s the cricket. Anyone game to speculate on this game?
Off-season odyssey. Part I
December 1, 2011 by 17 Comments
From the Bottom, Up. Doug was a postie, one year off retiring. Bert, I reckon, propped up the bar most nights. “I drive an excavator, do as little work as possible,” he said. It was a small town, the smallest. I got the impression Bert’s way was the general way. The sun was an [Read more]
THE ALMANAC AFFLICTION
December 1, 2011 by 1 Comment
I’ve got a strange affliction that’s always on my mind. It’s such a strong addiction it takes up lots of time. Morning, noon and night and when I should be fast asleep I get the urge to read or write and can’t resist a peep. Footy yarns, opinions Belly laughs and thoughts. [Read more]
A few (twisted) words about Australia’s team to play NZ
November 30, 2011 by 5 Comments
by Andrew Gigacz By this time tomorrow at least three, and possibly four, players will have made their Test debut for Australia. Dave Warner will complete his transformation from being a two-hour player to a five-day cricketer, and at least two of James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc and Ben Cutting will form part of the [Read more]
Do not go gentle into that good night…
November 30, 2011 by 5 Comments
by Nick Withers Two facts I did not make up: Shane Watson has a book, and it is titled Watto. And you thought Australian cricket was on the mend? I’m sure Watto means well, but it’s a bit early to be crying bright about frail deeds, isn’t it? Crying bright about your frail back [Read more]
Haiku for Maggie
November 30, 2011 by 2 Comments
by Damien Little The morning sun beats Starting slowly unsteady Gripping handle bars Determination Can’t let go a father’s test Start over again Determination Possibilities awake Feel freedom flying
An offer I couldn’t refuse
November 29, 2011 by 9 Comments
by Mic Rees I recently received an invitation to attend the Footscray Edgewater Cricket Club’s 12th annual Chairman’s Luncheon. After some procrastination I foolhardily knocked back the generous offer. Fortunately my wife and a few work colleges told me that my original decision to decline was one of gross stupidity and I should reconsider. [Read more]
For Those Who Wait
November 29, 2011 by 3 Comments
Barry Nicholls’ new book – For Those Who Wait, the Barry Jarman Story – was launched by Ashley Mallett at the Adelaide Oval last Friday. The Australian’s Andrew Faulkner was there. You can catch his article about the night at the link below. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/great-keeper-barry-jarman-lived-in-the-considerable-shadow-of-wally-grout/story-e6frg7rx-1226207503426
Almanackers immortalised at Victoria Park
November 29, 2011 by 4 Comments
by Vin Maskell Pamela Sherpa, Haiku Bob, John Harms and Vin Maskell are amongst several Almanackers who are part of a permanent sound installation to be officially unveiled at Victoria Park this Sunday afternoon, 4 December. The sound installation is called For The Love Of It and is located in a walkway of the Sherrin Stand. It is one [Read more]
In A-League of its Own 7 (2011/12)
November 29, 2011 by 4 Comments
Tom’s weekly outlook on the A-League Melbourne Victory has moved to 3rd on the A-league table with a dramatic 3-2 win at home to Gold Coast on Sunday. The North End’s “You’ll be sacked in the morning” chant directed at Mehmet Durakovic was quickly extinguished less than a minute into the game, when an [Read more]
A Confederacy of Dunces* (Pt 1)
November 29, 2011 by 12 Comments
Poor governance is as integral to the folklore of cricket as WG Grace’s girth and Spofforth’s demonic gaze. For every cricketer who ever thought Yes I Can, there’s usually been an administrator coming up with a reason why he couldn’t. The rule of egg-and-bacon-tied buffers from Lords became entrenched in the Victorian era and [Read more]
Crio’s Q: …time please, Gentlemen
November 28, 2011 by 15 Comments
Those of us who watch and comment on Test Cricket are convinced of its unique qualities and enduring fascination. We love it. “Why…just look at the AUST/SA and INDIA/WI Tests completed last week.” But others are less convinced. Slow. Irrelevant. Outdated. “Look”, they counter, “at the crowds and coverage last week!”.
I take thee, Sainter
November 28, 2011 by 19 Comments
Round One Bye David Downer The council paddock behind our Glen Waverley childhood home staged some fierce after-school battles. Kick to kick. Then fight. Then squeal to Mum. Generally in that order. I was Tony Lockett. My brother Chris, he was Tony Lockett too. In reality, Chris’ kicking gait was more circa-1980s Stewie Loewe. [Read more]
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