Round 1 – St Kilda v Fremantle: Saints drop anchor on the Dockers

The return of Ross Lyon to St Kilda brought with it plenty of questions, but the first answer has been provided when the boys from Moorabbin went in with a small and compromised list and emerged victorious over the Dockers. Braham Dabscheck hopes their grit and determination will continue.

Round 1 – Hawthorn v Essendon: All is right with the world

Footy’s back and plenty of feel-good boxes were ticked for Dons fans like Caspar McLeod in their belting of old rivals the Hawks.

Almanac Poetry: Jubilee Lake

This week’s poem by Kevin Densley was inspired by Jubilee Lake, in Daylesford, central Victoria.

NRL Round 3 – Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs: So disappointing!

The Rabbit in the Vineyard was feeling good when his Bunnies led 10-0 against the Evil Empire. But elation all too quickly became disappointment.

Round 1 – Geelong v Collingwood: Keeping ’em honest (Floreat Pica Society)

It’s a magnificent start for the Pies against the reigning Premiers. Stephen Goddard makes his debut here for the Floreat Pica Society, which enters its 19th season.

Round 1 – Richmond v Carlton: The Running of the Bulls

John Green is ready for the first match of the 2023 AFL season. He never tires of the lead-up, especially on the day. He compares barracking for a footy team to the running of the bulls in Spain.

Everyday Obits: Eulogy for June Georgina Blainey

Trevor Blainey remembers his wonderful mother, June Georgina Blainey, with great love, in the eulogy he gave at her funeral a few months ago.

Balcony Banter: Who does the dishes in your house?

Citrus Bob Utber is trying to solve the mystery of the origins of an MCG tea towel that came into his possession. This story first appeared on the MCC Members blog site Balcony Banter.

Almanac Music: How Low Can You Go? ‘Way Down’ – Elvis Presley’s Last Single

This Friday’s music piece from KD concerns the last Elvis single released before his passing, and its importance in musical history, as well as raising the issue of the bass voice in songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era.

Almanac (Fan) Footy: Ready to get hurt again

After too much success in his early years, Ged McMahon has had to deal with Essendon’s many struggles over the past twenty years. But hope springs eternal as the next season kicks off. He’s ready to get hurt again.

Almanac Teams: Round 1 debuts since 1980 (Part 4 – 2011 to 2022)

Part 4 of VFL/AFL Round 1 debutants concludes Rodney Boyd’s series with the years 2011 to 2022.

Almanac (Test) Cricket – Border/Gavaskar Trophy Series 2023: What could have been

The 2023 Border/Gavaskar Trophy Series is over. India won 2-1. But what might have been? Ian Hauser gives his perspective.

NRL Round 3: Tipping is no place for the faint-hearted

After just two rounds, Ian Hauser is already the back-marker in the NRL tipping competition. Let’s see if he can find a few more winners this week.

Round 1 – Sal’s Preview: Just for openers

Sal is back to give us the good oil as the new AFLM season gets underway tonight. Get his footy and track tips here!

NRL Round 2 – Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs: Missing intensity

The Rabbit in the Vineyard and Australia’s greatest luncher savoured a bottle of Soul Growers Equilibrium GSM at the Tanunda Club as they watched the Panthers host the Rabbitohs.

Almanac Footy Memoir: Last of the Royboys

Paul Harman makes quite a splash with his debut piece. Settle down with a quiet one as you ready yourself for the start of the season and enjoy this memoir in which he explains how he came to barrack for the Roys.

Almanac Teams: Round 1 debuts since 1980 (Part 3 – 2001 to 2010)

Rodney Boyd presents Part 3 of his series about VFL/AFL Round 1 debutants, today looking at the years 2001 to 2010.

Almanac Footy: Werribee FC’s Class of 1993

This year is the 30th anniversary of the Werribee FC’s one and only premiership in the VFA. Ian Wilson recalls that premiership season.

Almanac Footy Tipping in 2023

The AFL (starts March 16). Join our tipping comp. Sign up now.

Almanac Teams: Round 1 debuts since 1980 (Part 2 – 1990 to 2000)

In the second of four parts, Rodney Boyd looks back at the players who made their debut in Round 1 of the VFL/AFL season from 1980 up to 2022. This section features 1990-2000.