From BITS’ ‘Fitzy’ to Port Adelaide’s Willem Drew, Nick Kossatch looks fondly back on a weekend spent watching young guns emerge before his very eyes.
Round 19 – Port Adelaide v Collingwood: BITS and Port young guns star
July 25, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Almanac VFL: Northern Bullants triumphant in the Battle of Bell Street
July 25, 2021 by 4 Comments
A few kilometres apart, the Northern Bullants (of Preston) and fierce rivals Coburg have been going at it for years. Daniel Kelly tells the story of the Bullants emotional victory in the latest Battle of Bell Street.
Round 19 – Melbourne v Western Bulldogs: Aaron Naughton terrifies me
July 25, 2021 by 5 Comments
During a cracking match between two contenders, quite a few footballers caught Old Dog’s eye. Some of them scare him. He explains why.
Round 19 – Port Adelaide v Collingwood: Encouraging signs (Floreat Pica Society)
July 24, 2021 by Leave a Comment
This week’s Floreat Pica Society report comes from Garry Stock (in Israel) and Ziggy (in lockdown in Melbourne). As they watched Port host their Collingwood at Melbourne’s Docklands, their eyes were firmly on the future.
Maximising the benefits – the economics of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics
July 24, 2021 by 5 Comments
With Brisbane recently announced as the host city of the 2032 Olympic Games, Tim Harcourt from the University of Technology Sydney looks at the economic risks and benefits on offer when hosting the Olympics.
Almanac Footy: It’s Time, Scotty!
July 24, 2021 by 12 Comments
Deakin student Chris Mangos watches football strategy and tactics very closely. Here he asks why Geelong coach Chris Scott has a relatively poor finals record, analysing three significant losses in particular. [This piece may flush out some Geelong frustration in the comments – Ed]
Round 19 – Sal’s Preview: The Isolation Episode
July 23, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Sal is in isolation after ‘the bride went to the wrong market’. He’s had extra time to contemplate his picks for Round 19 and can’t wait for the games to start tonight!
Gravel & Mud: Geoffrey Blainey
July 23, 2021 by 1 Comment
Historian Geoffrey Blainey has had rich experiences with Australian mining, society and football. This story is from the anthology ‘Gravel & Mud’, a wonderful look into how western Tasmania approached its footy, from conditions to crowds to players.
Balcony Banter: The luck of the draw
July 23, 2021 by 3 Comments
How do you feel after a drawn game? Should there be a method to determine a winner – extra time? a penalty shoot-out? Lynda Carroll addressed these questions this week on the MCC Members blog ‘Balcony Banter’.
‘Gumleaf Games’ to the world stage
July 23, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Ron Reed has seen more Olympic Games than most since 1956, primarily as a journalist. Here he comments about Brisbane then (1982 Commonwealth Games) and what we might hope for in 2032.
Almanac Life: From the Arctic to Far North Queensland
July 23, 2021 by 1 Comment
After his Arctic exploits a couple of years ago, Richard Marlow now hangs about at Charters Towers in Far North Queensland. Here’s an update on his meanderings.
Almanac Life: Vale John ‘Strop’ Cornell
July 23, 2021 by 6 Comments
John ‘Strop’ Cornell has died at the age of 80. The Footy Almanac pays tribute to an iconic figure in Australian television and sport.
Round 18 – Haiku Bob: slammed shut
July 23, 2021 by 3 Comments
Haiku Bob found similarities between the current Covid situation and the performance of Collingwood in Round 18.
Almanac History: Almanacs Through The Ages
July 23, 2021 by 2 Comments
In this Friday’s column, KD presents a very short history of almanacs in words and images.
Almanac Music: More of Procol Harum
July 23, 2021 by 3 Comments
Inspired by Col Ritchie’s recent homage to the Procol Harum classic, ‘A whiter shade of pale’, Ian Hauser recalls two other songs from the same album which he deems worthy of recognition.
Almanac Rugby League – NRL Round 19: Mind the gap!
July 22, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Mind the gap! The NRL’s Round 19 features a host of matches between the high flyers and the also rans. Ian Hauser tries to find something to get excited about.
Gravel & Mud: Martin Flanagan’s introduction
July 21, 2021 by 7 Comments
Martin Flanagan recalls life on the West Coast of Tasmania with its places, and characters and its distinctive footy. This piece of fine story-telling is the introduction to Gravel & Mud, an anthology put together by Tony Newport and the Carswell brothers Chris and John.
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