In the run-up to France 2023, Tim Burke reflects on Australian rugby’s ‘status anxiety’, its preoccupation with World Cups, and the relationship between rugby and rugby league.
Almanac Travel: The Bolivian salt plains
August 31, 2023 by 18 Comments
Dips O’Donnell continues his extraordinary South American travels and highlights his visit exploring the incredible Bolivian salt plains. [Another ripping read Dips! – Ed]
NRL Round 27 and NRLW Round 7: Rubbed out, left out and a break out
August 31, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Another crazy week in rugby league – kicked out, sitting out and breaking out! Ian Hauser surveys the scene.
Almanac Golf : Thank you Peter Floyd
August 30, 2023 by 6 Comments
Mark Poustie pays tribute to Peter Floyd and a select group of men he met along the way while being introduced and taught about golf at a very young age. The lesson Mark shares is when given the opportunity, to take some time and help a child with a pursuit, they may learn to love it and your small effort may produce a life altering outcome.
Up the Mighty Murray! – Episode 20: On the Border
August 30, 2023 by 15 Comments
It has been a long trip ‘Up The Mighty Murray’ for Peter Clark as he arrives at Albury/Wodonga as he presents Episode 20 of his wonderful series. This week featuring the Ovens and Murray League and match of the day is Albury v Lavington.
Almanac Poetry: ‘Mercury and Icarus’ by James Walton
August 29, 2023 by 1 Comment
Like Icarus, the returned conscript in James Walton’s poem ‘Mercury and Icarus’, flew too close to the sun, and ended his football career.
Almanac Photography: 10th Annual Ballarat International Foto Biennale
August 29, 2023 by 2 Comments
Now living in Ballarat, Ian Wilson is enjoying all the city has to offer including the 10th Annual Ballarat International Foto Biennale.
Round 24 – Carlton v Giants: Race and religion
August 29, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Although the Blues were defeated by the Giants, there was an eerie feeling of satisfaction as the Blues are finals bound as Joe Sexton explains.
Round 24 – Geelong v Western Bulldogs: Glass half full with Cats’ past players
August 29, 2023 by 6 Comments
Roger Lowrey caught up with a few former Geelong FC players before the Cats’ match against the Bulldogs.
Cam Hooke’s Collingwood Life: Round 24 Review / Finals Week 1 Preview
August 29, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Collingwood win the minor premiership and now for the finals! Cam Hooke’s Collingwood Life and true believers are in a positive frame of mind.
Almanac Teams: Very good players who were never All Australians
August 28, 2023 by 3 Comments
Rodney Boyd has created another cracking footy team – this time, of players who have never made an AFL All Australian side.
Almanac Poetry: The ‘Vision’ Thing
August 28, 2023 by Leave a Comment
This week’s poem from Kevin Densley is a political one, dealing primarily with the Richmond debate of the 1992 U.S. Presidential Election, in which George Bush Senior went toe-to-toe with Bill Clinton…KD can see some humour in the situation, as most political performances allow
Almanac Names: The Origin of The Name Bendigo
August 28, 2023 by 1 Comment
Where has Ian Wilson placed his tongue as he explains the origins of how Bendigo got its name?
Round 24 – Essendon v Collingwood: One of the best Friday night walks (Floreat Pica Society)
August 27, 2023 by 1 Comment
Linda Ho was at the MCG for (most of) Round 24, as Collingwood looked to finish the home and away season as minor premiers.
Almanac Lunch: Balme in the Barossa
August 27, 2023 by 8 Comments
Michael Sexton and his mate Jeff enjoyed the recent Footy Almanac lunch with Neil Balme and Anson Cameron at The Clubhouse in Tanunda. Michael also unpacks the swing Balmey took at Jeff many years ago.
Almanac Teams: Last Game Debuts
August 25, 2023 by 6 Comments
Rodney Boyd has done some fantastic digging again as he curates the data collected of football players who have made their career debut on the last day of the regular home and away season.
Round 24 – Sal’s Preview: The Final Squeeze
August 25, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Sal sorts out Round 24 leading into the AFL finals. There’s the odd Seinfeld game but several others have a major impact on the final configuration of the ladder.
Almanac Music: John Lennon’s Harmonica
August 25, 2023 by 43 Comments
John Lennon played the harmonica on numerous (mainly early) recordings by the Beatles. KD discusses these recordings and, as usual, invites readers to respond. In other words, readers are encouraged to contribute, in the comments section, their own choices of popular songs that employ harmonica (and this is certainly a case of ‘not only Bob’, though comments concerning Mr Zimmerman’s material are certainly welcomed).
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