Trevor Blainey comes up with another cracking set of ‘Not Quite Bob’ artists; although not as well known as some, there is quality in the music of Norton Buffalo, Syd Straw, and Danny O’Keefe.
Almanac Cricket: Captain Pat gets it right again
February 11, 2022 by 2 Comments
As usual, there was a lot to like about the Test skipper’s performance when the waters got choppy, writes RON REED.
Almanac Poetry: A Boy and His Football
February 11, 2022 by 11 Comments
Michael Pardy makes his Almanac debut with a poem about kids who have a footy in their hands all the time and how it becomes their friend. (Welcome aboard, Michael – Ed.)
Almanac Music: Greatest Hits of 1856 – ‘Gentle Annie’ by Stephen Foster
February 11, 2022 by 4 Comments
In this Friday’s column, KD discusses an American pre-Civil War popular song, Stephen Foster’s beautiful ballad ‘Gentle Annie’, and examines how it has stood the test of time, presenting a couple of versions as examples.
Almanac Rugby League: Vale Olsen Filipaina, trailblazer
February 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment
The sadness in the rugby league community continues with the news today of the death of Kiwi legend Olsen Filipaina. The Footy Almanac pays tribute to a universally admired and respected player who was a trailblazer for Polynesian footballers seeking to play in the bigger leagues of New Zealand and Australia.
Almanac Tributes: An interview with Jack Styring
February 10, 2022 by 1 Comment
A genuine legend of the Australian turf, the racing gods declared correct weight on the life of renowned racecaller Jack Styring with his passing on February 9th, at the grand age of 92. Recorded back in 2014, Jack graciously opened his home to John Harms and Steve Baker to reflect on his time behind the microphone and the binoculars.
Almanac Footy (Conundrum): Who is the greatest Saint – Rooey, Harves or Baldock?
February 10, 2022 by 10 Comments
Mark Tenny didn’t realise how hard it would be to select ‘the greatest Saint ever’. He explains the conundrum.
Almanac Rugby League: The 2022 All Stars clashes
February 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment
The 2022 rugby league season kicks off on Saturday evening with the annual Maori v Indigenous All Stars matches. Ian Hauser provides all the details you need to know.
‘Legends of Merriwa Park…’ by KB Hill
February 10, 2022 by 1 Comment
KB Hill reminisces about the roots of tennis at Wangaratta’s Merriwa Park and profiles champion tennis players over the last century.
Almanac Rugby League: Vale Johnny ‘Chook’ Raper
February 10, 2022 by 3 Comments
Johnny Raper, chosen as one of the original Immortals of rugby league, has passed away at the age of 82 after a long illness. Ian Hauser pays tribute to a player who revolutionised the position of lock forward.
Almanac Tributes: Our Caller Jack
February 9, 2022 by 22 Comments
Legendary race-caller Jack Styring has died at the age of 92. Peter Flynn penned this celebration of, and tribute to, him after a Yea Ghup about a decade ago.
Jack Styring gets Dog on Fire home at Donald
February 9, 2022 by 3 Comments
John Harms paid tribute to Jack Styring when the legendary race-caller was behind the binoculars at Donald, in this extract from Memoirs of a Mug Punter (2002).
Almanac Books: The Furphy Anthology 2021
February 8, 2022 by 1 Comment
The Furphy Anthology 2021 (the collection of stories from the annual Furphy Literary Award) is out now. Read about it here.
Almanac (Local) Footy: Thirds in their words
February 7, 2022 by 11 Comments
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- )
February 7, 2022 by 3 Comments
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
February 7, 2022 by 13 Comments
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’
February 7, 2022 by 3 Comments
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
February 7, 2022 by 6 Comments
This week’s poem from Kevin Densley is based upon (arguably) the most iconic photograph in the history of Australian bushranging.
Almanac Lectures: Angela Pippos to present the Redmond Barry Lecture
The Footy Almanac is happy to promote an upcoming lecture by Angela Pippos on ‘the power of sport’. Find out all the details here.