Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 12: ‘Walker – High Anticipation’ and Episode 13: ‘The Fates Intervene’

February 10, 2026 by 2 Comments

Always looking to move ahead, Herb Barkle took on a highly anticipated fight with the well-credentialed Mickey Walker in Sydney. But what is boxing without a bit of controversy? The result received a mixed response!

Almanac Footy: Melbourne 2026 season preview

February 9, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Shakeups at Gosch’s Paddock with many big names gone from the Melbourne list, but some handy additions may prove helpful in the short term, suggests Micky McTigger.

Almanac Swimming: Definitely a win

February 9, 2026 by 5 Comments

Sheralee Menz recounts youthful swims narrated by discipline and punctuated by Bush Biscuits. The laps of the past are still paying off today.

Almanac Poetry: To Die

February 9, 2026 by 4 Comments

This poem from Kevin Densley, from his just-published collection, Isle Full of Noises (Ginninderra Press), deals with different ways condemned criminals have responded to their last moments on earth.

‘Kitch’ and Higgins – bookmaking in the 60s

February 9, 2026 by 2 Comments

Pestwac (Tony Moffat) returns with more tales from the betting ring in days gone by. ‘Kitch’ had a thing about horses ridden by Roy Higgins.

Almanac Footy: Will the AFL State of Origin work in 2026?

February 7, 2026 by 6 Comments

With the 2026 AFL State of Origin squads announced and the banter starting up, Richard Marlow wants to weigh in with his humble opinion.

Almanac Footy: Hawthorn 2026 season preview

February 7, 2026 by 3 Comments

There are good vibes about Hawthorn and their prospects in 2026. Mickey McTigger tells us why.

Almanac Basketball: Not Bad Thanks Basketball Club – ‘Giving it heaps’

February 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment

‘Giving it heaps’ is the playing mantra of the Not Bad Thanks basketball team as Graeme Willingham explains in his update of the team’s progress this season.

Almanac Music: ‘Ziggy played guitar’- Songs Referencing Musical Instruments

February 6, 2026 by 174 Comments

This instalment of KD’s long-running series on popular song concerns songs referencing musical instruments. As is always the case, readers’ song choices and comments are warmly welcomed.

Almanac Winter Olympics: Remembering Ross Milne

February 6, 2026 by 7 Comments

The 2026 Winter Olympics commence from Friday 6 February until Sunday 22 February in north east Italy. Glen! looks back at Australia’s history competing in the Winter Olympics and in particular the tragic death of skier Ross Milne killed in a training accident.

Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 10: Two Bouts with Slack, then Green and Episode 11: Making a Splash Down South

February 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment

After a couple more successful bouts in Brisbane, Herb Barkle travels south to take the next steps towards higher honours. He creates quite a splash in the Sydney scene!

Almanac Tennis (and the Environment): Death of the bounce – how to fix throwaway culture in tennis.

February 5, 2026 by 9 Comments

Well this is a first: an article which combines physics and tennis. Kiwi reader, Vineeth Thomas, explains an initiative which takes into consideration an environmental impact.

Almanac Footy History: Purnim FC – premiers 1930. Can anyone help?

February 5, 2026 by 2 Comments

Purnim won the flag in 1930. Can anyone help identify these team members? Please pass this on to someone who may have some insights about these blokes and about footy in the Purnim area generally.

Almanac Music – Runrig: A Band I Discovered

February 5, 2026 by 2 Comments

Connecting with his Scottish roots, RagingBull introduces us to a band that has taken his fancy – Runrig.

‘Swansong for WDCA at Melbourne Cricket Week…?’ by KB Hill

February 5, 2026 by Leave a Comment

KB Hill traces Wangaratta’s proud history in Melbourne Country Week cricket. But is it now all over?

Almanac Footy: GWS 2026 season preview

February 4, 2026 by 1 Comment

GWS are next up as Micky McTigger continues his evaluation of each club’s roster for the 2026 AFL season.

Almanac Reprise: Not Quite Bob – They Also Serve: Joe Ely, Rodney Crowell, Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt

February 3, 2026 by 6 Comments

Another worthy set of musicians from Trevor Blainey’s ‘Not Quite Bob’ series: Joe Ely, Rodney Crowell, Lyle Lovett, and John Hiatt. Fantastic music! [RIP Joe Ely who passed away late last year. -ED]

Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 8: ‘A Setback’ and Episode 9: ‘Re-consolidation’

February 3, 2026 by 2 Comments

Dave Goodwin continues his coverage of their career of Herb Barkle. To paraphrase Shakespeare, ‘the course of a boxing career never runs smoothly’. Herb’s progress had its fair share of bumps and bruises.

Tulloch Done This: SP bookmaking in a country town

February 2, 2026 by 2 Comments

Pestwac (Tony Moffat) gets into a reminiscing mood and meanders along with some colourful memories from an old bush-town Australia.

Almanac Footy: How will the Richmond Tigers go in the year of the horse (2026)?

February 2, 2026 by 1 Comment

No horsing around for Richard Marlow in 2026 as looks at the prospects for his Tigers in the upcoming AFL season. Despite a lowly finish in 2025, there are no long faces here.