‘The dash…for covers…’ by Simone Kerwin

Simone Kerwin guests for KB Hill as she tells a tale of how country sport works. (We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – ‘she’s a chip off the old block alright!’ – Ed.)

Almanac Local History: Sporting history in abundance at Coburg Pine Ridge Cemetery

A while ago, Allan Barden discovered that his great-grandmother was buried in 1918 in the Coburg cemetery. In finding out a little more he met the Friends of Coburg Cemetery a small group of volunteers who look after the cemetery and also have done some research into those buried there. This piece by Allan reflects on the cultural and historical significance of cemeteries generally, and discusses what they mean to us, and tell us. He then considers the lives of a number of Australian sportsmen buried in the Coburg Cemetery. [Wonderful piece – Ed]

Almanac (Community) Footy – National Inclusion Carnival 2023: Tassie win Inclusion Championship in a cliff-hanger

Vin Maskell reports on the very successful National Inclusion Carnival played in Ipswich last week. And the winner was a real surprise!

Bronzed Aussies

Damian Balassone presents his thoughts in a couplet about a recent event.

Almanac Cricket: ODI World Cup – India October 2023

The Australian Cricket Society’s Literary Scholar Kobe Jacobs reports on the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, and the fortunes of the Australian team.

Almanac Music: Gary Shearston – Australian Folk Legend

Wayne Matthews thanks Miss Mathieson, his music teacher from Form 3 in 1964, for introducing him to the music of Australian Folk Legend Gary Shearston. Wayne would like to introduce the music of Gary Shearston to readers.

Almanac Poetry: ‘The Gate’ – Tommy Mallet

Tommy Mallet writing about what he knows best – working in the bush.

Almanac Art: ‘The purple noon’s transparent might’ – Arthur Streeton

Col Ritchie discusses his favourite painting first introduced to him by his primary school teacher in 1961, ‘The purple noon’s transparent might’ by Arthur Streeton.

Almanac Teams: Players who were drafted/traded to a new club but didn’t play a game

A follow up side by Rodney Boyd concerns players who had significant careers beforehand, but were drafted or traded in by clubs who never saw them wear the jumper for points.

Almanac Poetry: Painterly

In this poem, Kevin Densley writes about the beautiful colour that the sky sometimes turns after a thunderstorm.

Almanac Cricket: The Story of Igino De Bolfo – A Champion Bowler for Boneo Cricket Club 1933-37

Roger Spaull examines the cricketing feats of Italian immigrant Iginio De Bolfo at the Boneo Cricket Club 1933-37.

Almanac Racing: Sal’s Preview – Caulfield Guineas Preview: Step into Steparty? Yes or No

Big weekend of racing as Sal Ciardulli places his tips for the Caulfield Guineas meeting and The Everest in Randwick.

Almanac Footy: Fitzroy’s Jack Worrall – 19th century sporting superstar

Rod Gillett profiles the career of Jack Worrall, a superstar footballer and cricketer of the 19th Century,who later became a successful football coach and sporting journalist.

Almanac (Armed Forces) Life: Confronting the Real SAS

His wife’s fascination with reality TV’s ‘SAS Australia’ got Ian Wilson thinking about his first-hand experiences with the real thing back in his Army days.

Almanac Cricket: Australian Cricket Society – AGM and Luncheon

The Australian Cricket Society invites you to their AGM and luncheon with special guests from Cricket Victoria.

Almanac Rugby League -The Pacific Championships

The inaugural Pacific Championships begins this weekend with matches in Port Moresby and Townsville. Read more about the tournament here.

‘A fine football life…’ by KB Hill

Footy has a long and decorated history. KB Hill remembers ‘Poddy’, Arthur Hiskins, a Rutherglen and South Melbourne icon from a century ago.

Almanac NFL – The 2023 Dutch Clark Cup: Week Five

It’s just over a month into the NFL season. Earl thinks he’s got his finger on the pulse as he surveys the prospects of various teams.

Almanac Literary: A letter to my agent

Tommy Mallet is an author who ‘headed east to go north, just for now, and never righted’ as he mulls on the plight of the writer in a letter to his agent.

Almanac Rugby Union – 2023 Rugby World Cup: Pool Stage Wrap and Finals Preview

‘If you truly love the game played in heaven you have to revel in the spirit of the game, where the game comes first and the travails of your team a distant second.’ So says Brian the Ruminator as he reviews the 2023 Rugby World Cup pool stage before offering his thoughts on the upcoming finals.