NRL Round 26 and NRLW Round 6: And then there were ten

August 24, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Three teams are battling it out for the last spot in the NRL finals. Ian Hauser offers his thoughts on how it might pan out.

” ‘Big Emmy’…a ruck colossus of his era…” by KB Hill

August 24, 2023 by 1 Comment

Emmy De Fazio is an OMFNL Hall of Famer. KB Hill caught up with the former ruckman recently.

Almanac Footy History: Italo Cesari – Dromana’s Illustrious Footballer & Soldier

August 23, 2023 by 1 Comment

Historian Roger Spaull uncovers the fascinating life of Italo Cesari. The former Dromana FC footballer took part in the famous Pioneer Exhibition Match – the first game of Australia Rules to be played on foreign soil – in 1916, which provided the blueprint for modern Anzac Day football.

Up the Mighty Murray! – Episode 19: Going back to Yarrawonga

August 23, 2023 by 3 Comments

Peter Clark has reached Howlong in his journey up the Murray River. This week he reports on the Yarrawonga Pigeons v Wangaratta Rovers match.

Almanac Rugby League – Book Release: ‘Rugby League in New Zealand: a people’s history

August 23, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Glen Dwyer from the Newtown Jets brings to our attention a new book about rugby league win New Zealand, ‘Rugby League in New Zealand: a people’s history’ by Ryan Bodman.

Almanac (Barossa) Lunch: Neil Balme and Anson Cameron (Aug 25)

August 23, 2023 by 4 Comments

Neil Balme and Anson Cameron will be our guests for lunch at the Tanunda Club on August 25.

Round 24 – AFL 2023 Footy Fixture

August 22, 2023 by Leave a Comment

It’s the last round of the home and away footy so who makes the final 8? Check out who, where, and when your team is playing for Round 24.

SA v WA 1968: Home Ground Advantage

August 22, 2023 by 14 Comments

When South Australia and Western Australia met in Adelaide in 1968 the result went as expected. Both sides were sprinkled with names that were legendary in their respective states, some went on to national prominence but for others it was their only shot at State-level footy. Read what the SA Football Budget had to say about these stars of the 1960s. There’s a treat in store for those with a connection to Broken Hill also.

Almanac Roadtrips: An Extension to the Dad Joke

August 22, 2023 by 1 Comment

Ian Wilson is at it again, this time with his take on the origins of the names of several Australian locations.

Almanac Rugby Union: 2023 Rugby World Cup preview

August 22, 2023 by 1 Comment

Brian the Ruminator returns to The Footy Almanac to provide a preview of the upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup. Who are his top fancies to claim ‘Bill’?

Round 23 – Collingwood v Brisbane: Is history repeating itself? (Floreat Pica Society)

August 22, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Guy Fazzino felt a sense of foreboding as he headed to Docklands for Round 23 against a modern-day fierce rival. His feelings were spot on.

Cam Hooke’s Collingwood Life: Round 23 Review/Round 24 Preview

August 21, 2023 by Leave a Comment

The Pies came up short against their fellow top two aspirants, Brisbane. Cam Hooke looks at the fallout and what to expect from a final clash with old enemy Essendon before the finals.

Almanac Footy: A tribute to Jack and Trent

August 21, 2023 by 2 Comments

These Richmond curtain calls have been telegraphed for a while, but the finality of seeing the famous #8 and #9 go around for the last time has driven Tiger fan Rodney Boyd to pay tribute.

Almanac Poetry: Fighting Planes of World War Two

August 21, 2023 by 8 Comments

Ever tried to build a plastic model plane when you were a kid? Kevin Densley did, and this poem talks about the results. [Quite relatable – Ed]

NRL Round 25 – South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights: The Late Season Surge Update: ‘Back on hold’

August 21, 2023 by 4 Comments

Rabbit in the Vineyard is looking for a hole to disappear into after the Rabbitohs’ poor showing yesterday against the Newcastle Knights.

Almanac Music: Not Quite Bob – The Covers: In Bob We Trust

August 20, 2023 by 22 Comments

Bob Dylan is undoubtedly one of the greatest song writers ever, and has written many timeless classics during his long career. This week in his ‘Not Quite Bob’ series, Trevor Blainey selects his favourite cover versions of some of Bob’s multitude of songs.

Almanac (World Cup) Soccer: It’s been a fascinating few weeks

August 18, 2023 by 9 Comments

John Harms has his thoughts on the response to the World Cup and the Matildas. He’s interested in yours.

Round 23 – Sal’s Preview: Let the Finals begin

August 18, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Sal checks out the permutations for finals places as we enter the penultimate round of the season.

Book Release: Tom Wills by Greg de Moore

August 17, 2023 by 6 Comments

Greg de Moore’s authoritative and highly captivating biography of Tom Wills has been out for a few months. The updated edition includes new research and addresses the most troubling questions surrounding the man himself.

Almanac Footy (Trips): My brothers

August 17, 2023 by 3 Comments

John Nugent has sent John Harms another email. In it he pays tribute to The Scallywags, a group of footy mates he holds dear.