Almanac History: Music, sport and the footy in July 1971

Glen! takes us back 50 years to remember the music, the tennis and the footy from July 1971.

Almanac Rugby League – NRL Round 16: Top of the pile battles

A couple of top of the table clashes highlight this weekend Round 16 of the NRL. We offer Ian Hauser’s prognosis.

‘Josh negotiates the obstacles on his footy journey…’ by KB Hill

KB Hill charts the setbacks endured by Josh Newton and his determination to fight back every time.

Almanac Footy Writing: The VFL is restored to its former glory!

Covid chaos? Not so, says Wippet, as he illustrates how the mass exodus of AFL teams to Victoria may actually be a blessing in disguise for the (rightful) resumption of the VFL competition.

Round 16 – Sal’s Preview: Going the early crow

Sal is back to rescue you from your tipping woes ahead of a crackerjack, Covid-affected Round 16.

Geelong’s Record Run – Round 2, 1953: Footscray v Geelong – a blue and white blizzard.

Geelong dominated an undermanned Footscray to consolidate a flying start to the 1953 season. Peter Clark continues his series on Geelong’s undefeated run.

Round 16 – AFL 2021 Footy Fixture: Who, where, and when

The AFL 2021 Footy Fixture for Round 16 is available and updated with changes made due to Covid 19. Find out where, when, and who your team plays this round.

Almanac (Local) Footy: Ainslie Women’s Division 2 – Round 2

At Kingston Oval, Canberra, Declan Kerlett was on hand to see Ainslie defeated by Eastlake.

Almanac Book Launch: ‘And Bring the Darkness Home: The Tony Dell Story’

The Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley AC, DSC, FTSE, will launch ‘And Bring the Darkness Home: The Tony Dell Story’ by Greg Milam on Friday 27 August 2021. Full details are in this post.

Almanac Life: Tony Dell – Soldier in a Baggy Green finds peace at last

Ron Reed discusses Tony Dell’s short Test career sadly thwarted by PTS, a consequence of his tour of duty as a conscript in the Vietnam War. Unknowingly Tony suffered from PTS for four decades until his recent recovery which is told in a forthcoming book, ‘And Bring The Darkness Home: The Tony Dell Story’ by Greg Milam.

Jake Lever Leaving

‘Jake Lever Leaving’, a poem from Damian Balassone, reflects the despair when a favourite footballer leaves the club.

Almanac (Country) Golf: Bridgewater on Loddon in the 1970s and today

Mark Poustie once roamed the greens of Bridgewater on Loddon (just outside Bendigo) with great frequency. He recalls a different time with pigs and semi-trailers as hazards…though the green fees remain a steal!

Almanac Music: Americana – Whitney Rose ‘Believe me, Angela’

Col Ritchie has been a huge fan of Americana music for many years. One of his new favourite artists of the genre is Whitney Rose. Check her out, she is fabulous!

Almanac Poetry: ‘The Irish Girl’ Part 1 – Tommy Mallet

Tommy Mallet has written an epic poem in three major parts telling the tale of a relationship and all its many vicissitudes. Enjoy Part 1 of ‘The Irish Girl’. [Editor’s warning: mature themes are contained in the poem]

Cam Hooke’s Collingwood Life: Round 15 Review and Round 16 Preview

Cam Hooke is very disappointed with Collingwood’s loss against the Dockers but is confident they can atone for themselves in their Round 16 match against St Kilda.

The Merger Trilogy: A Man Walked Into a Bar

It was 25 years ago that one of the most significant and earth-shaking events in the VFL/AFL’s 124 year history took place. William Westerman (author of ‘Merger’) has a three-part series on the machinations around Fitzroy’s path from proud original club to subject of administration and economic rationalisation. This is the first part of the trilogy.

Round 15 – Collingwood v Fremantle: Late season reset almost works (Floreat Pica Society)

Despite the loss, Floreat Pica Society stalwart Dave Nadel sees positive signs in Collingwood’s first outing under interim coach Robert Harvey.

Almanac Poetry: Sea Horse

This week’s poem from Kevin Densley is about childhood, beauty and loss.

Almanac Teams: Fifteen love (1980- )

For the second number running, there is leadership in spades for Rodney Boyd’s side with a singular talent relied upon to control the forward line. Who would win a clash between the Number 14 and 15 sides?

Almanac Rugby League – State of Origin Game II: Speed kills, skills thrill!

Almanac editors Sean Mortell and Ian Hauser offer their thoughts on Game 2 of the 2021 rugby league State of Origin series. It’s a tough year for the Canetoads.