Almanac Footy: Around the grounds of the Ovens and Murray League

As a kid, Peter Clark was often dragged around to the big contests of the Ovens and Murray League. From memories of Murray Weideman to three quarter time speeches at Wodonga’s Martin Park, Peter brings back the highlights of a terrific competition in his own eyes.

Almanac Books: Paul Circosta and the writing of Vanishing Footprints

Paul Circosta has been research and writing the story of Mike McNamara and Herb Hedemann for many years. He tells the story of the story here and how Vanishing Footprints came together.

Almanac Music: Matt’s Musical Musings – ‘Careless Whispers’

Matt Zurbo remembers back to the nightclub where he worked and the time George Michael and his entourage arrived and hit the dance floor.

Almanac Music: ‘Blackberry Way’ – The Move

The Move had a number of Top 10 hits in the UK, including ‘Blackberry Way’. These days the band is probably best remembered for providing key foundation members of ELO.

Almanac Poetry: ‘The Off Season’ – Tommy Mallet

This week’s poem from Tommy Mallet ‘The Off Season’ reflects life living in the tough environment of the bush, providing for loved ones and making ends meet.

Almanac (Backyard) Cricket: When I was G.S. Chappell and brother Joe was Geoff Dymock (updated with pics)

Dan Hoban grew up in Wallan and learnt to love cricket during the time of Greg Chappell. We’ve added some original photos to his piece.

Almanac History: A new website – So That We Remember

Ray Baraclough and Glenn Loughrey have launched their new website So That We Remember which seeks to provide resources for a deepening awareness of the violent dispossession of Australia’s Indigenous people.

Almanac Teams: Pick and Mix…Twenty-six (1980- )

Back on the horse for 2022, Rodney Boyd shares his best of Number 26 side since 1980, a team that is surprisingly well balanced for a higher number.

Almanac Poetry: Photograph of Bushranger and (Alleged) Multiple Murderer Tommy Clarke, of the Notorious Braidwood Clarkes, Aboard the Stolen Racehorse Boomerang, circa 1865

In this week’s poem from Kevin Densley, it’s ‘back to bushranging’ – he profiles Tommy Clarke, of the notorious mid-nineteenth century Clarkes from the Braidwood area of New South Wales.

The Ashes 2021/22 – Fourth Test, Sydney Day 5: An exciting draw as England survive

England displayed great fighting spirit on the last day to hold out for a draw in the Fourth Test match in Sydney.  Australia always looked to be in the winning position but fighting innings from Crawley, Stokes and Bairstow denied them the win. Citrus Bob Utber reports on the final day’s play.

The Ashes 2021/22 – Fourth Test, Sydney Day 4: Khawaja’s majestic second century

Another good day of Test cricket with Australia firmly in the box seat. Khawaja – magnificent, and Green – what we have been waiting for. Citrus Bob Utber reports on Day 4 of play at the Pink Test.

The Ashes 2021/22 – Fourth Test, Sydney Day 3: England fightback hard

Citrus Bob Utber reports on Day 3 of The Pink Test where it was a glorious day’s play for the cricket fan. First Australia throttling England to have them 4/36, and then a great fight back from century maker Jonnie Bairstow ably assisted by an injured Ben Stokes and a swashbuckling Mark Wood. 

Almanac Footy: The calm before the storm – Fitzroy’s break even 1993

Philip Mendes reviews Fitzroy’s 1993 VFL season. A mid season slump saw the Lions finish the season in 11th position, a disappointing result after their promising start and end to the season.

Almanac Footy Tipping: Join our AFLW comp (Urgent – starts Jan 7)

Join our AFLW tipping comp now. It starts today (Friday Jan 7)!

Almanac Books: ‘Vanishing Footprints’ – Paul Circosta

Paul Circosta’s new book, ‘Vanishing Footprints’, about two pioneers in ultra-marathon running in Australia, Mike McNamara and Herb Hedemann is now available for purchase.

Almanac Music: My Favourite Rock Drummers – Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick

In this instalment of his ongoing series about favourite drummers, KD profiles the inimitable Bun E. Carlos, best known for his work with Cheap Trick.

The Ashes 2021/22 – Fourth Test, Sydney Day 2: Khawaja leads the way

A magnificent century for Lazarus Khawaja saw Australia make 8/416 with England withstanding late overs from Australia. Khawaja’s 9th Test century sheet anchored the Australian innings with most of the batters scoring runs reports Citrus Bob Utber on Day 2 of the Pink Test in Sydney.

AFLW Season 2022 Preview

Friend of the Almanac, Kate O’Halloran, academic and now regular with the ABC, has put this season preview together. [Includes link to her piece on the ABC site].

The Ashes 2021/22 – Fourth Test, Sydney Day 1: Even battle in the rain

Citrus Bob Utber reports from Day 1 of The Pink Test at the SCG where rain played a big part in the day’s play. At the end of the on and off day both teams could say they have had a fair day on the park.

Vale Bill McVeigh

Bill McVeigh died on Boxing Day after a short illness. He was a great friend and supporter of the Almanac.