With the Ashes series commencing tomorrow we set the mood for First Test with an extract from Barry Nicholls’ recent book, ‘Playing to Win: Australia and the 1972 Ashes’.
Almanac Literary: Neil Cordy chats to Kelvin Templeton about the experiences which influenced his novel ‘Collision’
November 19, 2025 by 2 Comments
Football, at senior level everywhere, was a violent game. Neil Cordy takes us back to those days of the 1970s and talks with Kelvin Templeton about the experiences on which key elements of his novel ‘Collision’ are based.
The Ashes – First Test: Preview – Testing times in Perth?
November 19, 2025 by 3 Comments
Citrus Bob Utber presents his first Ashes report for the 2025/26 series with his preview of the First Test commencing on Friday in Perth.
Almanac Cricket: A History of Cricket in Woomera 1947 – 2014, Part 2: 1951/52 – 1957/58
November 19, 2025 by 2 Comments
David Turpin recalls cricket played in Woomera in his ‘A History of Cricket in Woomera 1947 – 2014. Part 2 revisits the cricket seasons 1951/52 to 1957/58, and incredibly includes a murder on the playing field.
Almanac (Club) Cricket – Round 4: West Warrion v Irrewarra
November 18, 2025 by 2 Comments
It was a day of mixed fortunes for West Warrion CC and Liam McCullagh; their first defeat for the season, and Liam smashed his first ever six!
Almanac Reviews: Week 2 – The British Film Festival, and one of the best films of 2025
November 18, 2025 by 2 Comments
It’s Week 2 of The British Film Festival. Ian Wilson reviews four of the films, including a candidate for one of the best films of 2025
Almanac Teams: Perth Test memory makers
November 17, 2025 by 15 Comments
The Ashes are upon us and Rodney Boyd is diving once again into the world of dream teams based on interesting happenings – this one is based on Perth Tests.
The Furphy Literary Award presentation in Shepparton
November 17, 2025 by Leave a Comment
The night the winners of The Furphy Literary Award 2025 were announced, back in July, was a cracker.
Don’t forget, The Furphy Anthology 2025 will be launched at the All Nations Hotel in Richmond this Thursday, November 20. Always an excellent celebration.
Almanac Poetry (and Cricket): Wide long on
November 17, 2025 by 1 Comment
John Gordon recalls the changes that mark the passing cricket seasons of a players years – from the full-on investment of youth to a fading presence in the later years until a time beyond the boundary line calls.
Almanac Cricket: An appreciation of Ian Chappell – Part 2
November 17, 2025 by 7 Comments
Reject Phil continues his appreciation of Ian Chappell with an overview of why it was good to be in South Australia in the 60s and 70s.
Book Launch: The Furphy Anthology 2025 – Nov 20 in Melbourne
November 15, 2025 by 1 Comment
You are invited to the launch of The Furphy Anthology 2025 on the evening of November 20. Read more here.
Almanac Horseracing: Dunkeld Cup Day – Saturday, 15 November
November 14, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Dandy Andy presents his thoughts and tips for the Western District time honoured Dunkeld Cup running on Saturday 15 November.
Almanac Rugby League – One more thing: Key dates for 2026 – Updated!
November 14, 2025 by 1 Comment
Just before we completely sign off from the rugby league season, here are some key dates for 2026, including the full season draw for both the NRL and the NRLW.
Sal’s Preview 2025: Orr Stakes Day Preview – The FIXture is in – and it makes me wild!
November 14, 2025 by Leave a Comment
In his final preview for the year Sal Ciardulli takes us to Caulfield for Orr Stakes Day. Sal also comments on the AFL’s Wildcard Round. [Thank you Sal for the considerable time and effort you have taken throughout the year presenting your racing and footy tips, it has been very much appreciated. – ED]
Almanac Poetry: Backyard Internationals
November 14, 2025 by 2 Comments
Glenn Butcher re-produces a poem he wrote before the Ashes series of 2010-11 reflecting the ‘backyard internationals’ he played with his brother..
Almanac Books: Books in my life – A reluctance to read
November 14, 2025 by 14 Comments
Barry Nicholls was invited to speak to The Friends of the State Library of South Australia to talk about influential books in his life. Here is the speech he gave on Tuesday November 4 at the Hetzel Lecture Theatre.
Almanac Footy Comment: Gather Round is the solution
November 14, 2025 by 2 Comments
Miles Wilks thinks that the recently announced Wildcard Round is an answer to the wrong question. By drawing on overseas examples, he offers an alternative framework which may well provide the answer to what he believes to be the right question.
Almanac Rugby League – The Ashes and The Pacific Championships: The season finally comes to an end
November 13, 2025 by 2 Comments
The 2025 rugby league season finally reached its conclusion with the third Ashes Test in Leeds and the Pacific Championships finals in Sydney. Ian Hauser provides the Almanac’s coverage.
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