Damian Balassone immortalises the great Aussie cricketer Travis Head in verse.
Mystery Pub: Permission to Pretend
January 6, 2026 by 4 Comments
In an untainted nook in which we they fleetingly pause time, Mickey Randall and Claire spend a ‘mystery pub’ evening at the Rockford Hotel in Adelaide.
The Ashes – Fifth Test, Sydney Day 2: Travis Head does not need any prayers
January 6, 2026 by 5 Comments
As Russel Hansen reports, Travis Head certainly did not need his prayers in St Peters Cathedral before play as he heads towards another century on a day that saw plenty of runs scored.
Almanac Life: Back at the `Nac. (A Farewell to Keith)
January 6, 2026 by 10 Comments
During The Footy Almanac’s first decade, Jamie Simmons became one of our most popular writers. And then he disappeared. He explains what happened… [Welcome back, Igor – Eds]
Almanac Literary: – ‘The Marvellous Cup’: a story told in ‘Touchstone’, a biography of Samuel Griffiths.
January 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment
In this third extract from ‘Touchstone’ Murray Bird and Richard Griffiths, ‘The Marvellous Cup’ looks at the world of racing in Australia in 1890, and in particular the Melbourne Cup.
The Ashes – Fifth Test, Sydney Day 2: Root and Head show their class
January 5, 2026 by 1 Comment
Plenty of runs scored on Day 2 of the Fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. Joe Root scored a magnificent 160 for England while Travis Head is 91 not out for the Aussies. The game is evenly poised at the end of play reports Citrus Bob Utber.
Almanac Poetry: Dionysia
January 5, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This week’s poem, according to Kevin Densley, ‘concerns a long-ago summer involving a catch-up with a friend, watching cricket on the TV, a session on the turps and a big night out – not forgetting a range of Greco-Roman mythological references.’
Almanac Footy: Will North Melbourne rise in 2026?
January 5, 2026 by 6 Comments
Philip Mendes and Lucas Lewit-Mendes look into the crystal ball and try to decipher what fortunes or foibles await the North Melbourne boys in 2026.
The Ashes – Fifth Test: Swifty Taylor in Sydney
January 5, 2026 by 9 Comments
Fictional private-eye Swifty Taylor takes in Day 1 of the Sydney Test while wrestling with his memories.
Almanac Travels: Up close and personal in Idube
January 5, 2026 by Leave a Comment
It’s Christmas and Ian Wilson and partner Lynda are on safari in the Idube Game Reserve part of the Kruger National Park. Compelling photographs capture the essence of animals in their natural habitat.
The Ashes – Fifth Test, Sydney Day 1: Root and Brooke dominate day
January 4, 2026 by 8 Comments
Citrus Bob Utber reports from the Sydney Ashes Test where play on Day 1 ended early due to the weather, with Joe Root and Harry Brooke steering England to a commanding position with their 150 run plus partnership.
Almanac Cricket: Bendigo Bank Australian Cricket Society Academy 2026
January 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Girls and boys aged 12 – 14 years of age who have some cricket potential are encouraged to apply for the next intake of the Bendigo Bank Australian Cricket Society Academy 2026.
Almanac Footy: Collingwood 2026 season preview
January 3, 2026 by 1 Comment
Micky McTigger continues his evaluation of 2026 club lists as he casts an eye over Collingwood.
Almanac Travels: Look Dad, I made it!
January 3, 2026 by 1 Comment
Reaching Cape Town reminded Ian Wilson of memories of his father as he recalls in his reflective piece.
Almanac Literary: ‘The Bribe’ – a story told in ‘Touchstone’, a biography of Samuel Griffiths.
January 2, 2026 by Leave a Comment
In this second extract from ‘Touchstone’ Murray Bird and Richard Griffiths show that Samuel Griffiths was a man of great integrity.
Almanac Teams: A South Asian-Australian XI
January 2, 2026 by 17 Comments
The announcement of Usman Khawaja’s retirement from Test cricket has inspired Damian Balassone to pick a team of Australian cricketers with South Asian heritage.
The Ashes – Fifth Test, Sydney Preview: ‘Vsqve ad finem’
January 2, 2026 by 6 Comments
Citrus Bob Utber presents his thoughts on the state of play in the lead-up to the Fifth Ashes Test in Sydney commencing on Sunday.
The Ashes – Fifth Test, Sydney: Take your ‘pink’ seats
January 2, 2026 by 2 Comments
Heather Lee takes a look forward to the Fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, where once again ‘The Pink Test’ will raise funds for the McGrath Foundation in their continuing quest to provide breast care nurses to support women and their families in rural and regional Australia.
Almanac Footy: Fitzroy Football Club’s 15 biggest season goal scorers in the modern era
December 31, 2025 by 7 Comments
In another superbly researched look back at the mighty Roys, Phil Mendes presents the 15 biggest goal-scorers of Fitzroy’s modern era (1970-1996).
Almanac Fiction: Harry calls a winner
Wayne Peake has written a cracking fictional turf story about Harold Trump renowned race caller until sacked for calling the wrong winner, a bank robbery witnessed by Harold, the apprehension of the bandits at a race meeting, and in a twist, a reward from the man who sacked him.