The pandemic may well have caused major disruptions to all of us but it can’t take away from us the things we value and the places where we find connection and purpose. Jarrod Landells and mates explain via the agency of the Fitzroy Thirds.
Almanac Teams: In a state, twenty-eight (1980- )
Number 28 seems to attract ‘cult-figure’ small forwards according to Rodney Boyd’s best of since 1980, but it also has some mature recruit talent and a big Sun to change things up.
Almanac Life: Dropping 47 litres of unleaded in the diesel tank at Beaufort
David Wilson made an error recently…it wasn’t quite as massive as it seemed in the moment.
Book Review: Bernard Whimpress on ‘Australia’s Game’
An in-depth review of an in-depth book on the history of Australian Football by Bernard Whimpress – (with thanks to Newtown Review of Books for sharing with the Almanac.)
Almanac Poetry: Ben Hall’s Photograph
This week’s poem from Kevin Densley is based upon (arguably) the most iconic photograph in the history of Australian bushranging.
A tale of two Olympics: The Economics of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022
With the Winter Olympics in full swing, Tim Harcourt tells two tales of one city – how the cogs moving behind the scenes at Beijing differ between 2022 and 2008 (and also what both games meant to Australia)
Almanac Life: Saturday morning, on the Glenelg North esplanade
Mickey Randall observes morning life on the Glenelg esplanade and makes some notes for retirement.
Almanac Books: An Edwardian cricket murder, investigation by Gideon Haigh
Gideon Haigh has just released a new book – on a cricket murder Up North in the early 1900s. He tells us the story of writing the book. And how you can get one directly from him.
Almanac Tennis: Rafa’s tennis is as good as it gets
He may or may not end up the most successful of the big three, but the Spanish superstar provides the best theatre, writes RON REED
Almanac Cricket: Fifty-five days to be King – the BBL 11 Grand Final in technicolor (by John Gordon)
It takes a lot of skill for a writer to make T20 BBL cricket interesting and entertaining, and meaningful. But John Gordon has done it. Read his overview of BBL11 and the Scorchers win in the Grand Final. [Wasn’t expecting references to the Boxer Rebellion and David Niven in the opening paragraph – JTH]
Almanac Life: My beer-drinking Norwegian neighbour
Rod Oaten carried out a wonderful international beer drinking ritual with his former neighbour and friend, Koora, a Norwegian milko.
AFLW Round 4: GWS v Western Bulldogs: To Henson Park and beyond
Ian Latham heads to the much-loved Henson Park in Sydney’s inner west for the AFLW match between GWS and the Western Bulldogs and considers the changes over the last four decades.
Almanac Cricket: Chopper’s Big Day Out
Mark Poustie tells the story of a mighty Div 6 grand final in the Eastern Cricket Association (but could be anywhere) when Chopper overcomes the agony of a blow to the Jatz Crackers to at least get himself to the crease. [A fine account – JTH]
Almanac Life: Dawning Realisations
Nicole Kelly has found a way to fit more into her life while rediscovering the simple pleasures of an early morning start – all because of Dash Kelly.
‘Surprises continue as fight for WDCA Finals takes shape…’ by KB Hill
KB Hill brings us up to date as the WDCA season moves towards the finals.
Purple Thistle
Encountering a purple thistle while out rambling took Kate Birrell back through the years to Diggers Rest and memories of her encounter with the Sunbury Rock Music Festival. If she had her time over again…
Almanac Tributes: The Muse remembers Fred Cook
The Muse is musing on Fred Cook who died yesterday at the age of 74 with a few stories about one of Melbourne’s great characters of recent times.
Maize Gods
Shane Reid remembers his Year 12 English teacher, Ms Dargie, who wasn’t into footy at all. Nevertheless, it was she who helped young Shane understand the links between footy, society and life via the poetry of Bruce Dawe.
Almanac Music: Three Songs
Matt Zurbo challenges you to name the first three songs you think of. And explains why.











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