Almanac Footy – Zoch’s AFLW Dream Team: 2017-2021

Lindsay Zoch used lockdown time to select a ‘best ever’ AFLW team drawn from the past five seasons.

‘Oh!…me name is McNamara…’ by KB Hill

KB Hill recounts the decades-long contribution of the McNamara family to cricket and footy in Victoria’s north-east.

Almanac (Footy) Life: The Colts of Traralgon

Shane Reid reflects upon the moments in his students’ experiences as they transition from one life to new one, a time of challenges and a time of risks. This moment of reflection reminds him of the young footballers moving on from the Traralgon Colts to greater things in the VFL/AFL.

Almanac Cricket: Tim May

Malcolm ‘Rulebook’ Ashwood got in touch with former Test cricketer Tim May. The self-effacing offie shares his life before, during and after cricket.

Almanac Music: Blabber ‘N Smoke

It was beautiful! Rock theatre and pyromania in the rain and in the bush. More of Matt Zurbo’s musical adventures.

Almanac Music: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

The death of Michael Nesmith this week reminded Col Ritchie of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s version of Nesmith’s song, ‘Some of Shelly’s Blues’. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band first came to prominence with their version of Jerry Jeff Walker’s classic song, ‘Mr Bojangles’.

Almanac Poetry: ‘Worth A Damn’ – Tommy Mallet

Effort and admiration can differ in the eyes of the beholder as Tommy Mallet’s poem, ‘Worth A Damn’ suggests. [Language Warning! – Ed]

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

Those of a certain age will be reminded of their `80s childhoods by this Dan Hoban memoir. [Or should we say “young Danny Hoban” – Ed]

Buckley v Tutty: Fifty years on from the most important case in the history of Australian Sport

Today is a day to remember (and perhaps thank if you are a professional athlete) Dennis Tutty, a now long retired Balmain Tigers player who in 1971 took on the sporting establishment and won in the High Court.

Bryan Wood

He was until he wasn’t…Damian Balassone’s poem tackles the club trajectory of Bryan Wood.

Almanac Poetry: Grandfatherly Metaphysics

This week’s poem from Kevin Densley involves his maternal grandfather’s backyard shed. “Its walls were lined with empty bottles,” according to KD.

“The full ones didn’t last very long.”

Almanac Life: Claire at the Sandalmere Gate

A touching and romantic story from Mickey Randall enchanted by a brief vista of a deep, resonating beauty: Claire at the gate.

The Ashes 2021/22 – First Test Brisbane, Day 4: Australia storm home!

On a day expected to see an enthralling battle, Australia put paid to that story by obliterating England.  The Lion was without both head and a tail as they lost 8/77 in an inglorious collapse after the heroics of yesterday reports Citrus Bob Utber.

Almanac Obituary: Vale Mike Nesmith

Mike Nesmith of The Monkees has passed away at the age of 78. Ian Hauser recalls his teenage admiration for the singer-songwriter.

The Ashes 2021/22 – First Test Brisbane Day 3: Great fightback by the Poms

An absorbing day’s play with England taking the points and putting themselves back in the game. Who would have thought! Citrus Bob Utber reports on play from Day 3 of the First Test in Brisbane.

Almanac Cricket: Captain Pat’s year of living large

Being appointed Test captain would have been enough to make it a big year for cricketer Pat Cummins, but that wasn’t the half of it, writes RON REED

The Ashes 2021/22 – The first ball of the Ashes Test series

Mitchell Starc’s first ball wicket at the beginning of an Ashes Test series was the first one since 1936/37 reports Peter Crossing.

Almanac Music: My Favourite Drummers – Karen Carpenter

Today’s piece by KD is his second in a series about his favourite drummers – the wonderfully talented Karen Carpenter features.

Almanac Footy: The one day in December!

Like many Melbourne supporters, a premiership after fifty-seven years was a monkey off the back, and what better way to celebrate it than joining in the Premiership Celebration held at the MCG last weekend. Joseph Ryan relives the glory!

The Ashes 2021/22 – First Test, Brisbane Day 2: Heads Up

The maligned Travis Head turned the first test further in Australia’s favour with a magnificent century off 84 balls on day two. He plundered the English bowlers to all parts of the ground in a superb display of batsmanship. ‘Citrus’ Bob Utber reports on Day 2 of the First Test at the Gabba.