Sean Mortell continues his series on footy in Wycheproof way back when. In Part 2 he explains the origins of The Combine and introduces some charcters who go on to make a name for themselves in Wyche and in footy.
Round 3 – North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs: Class of 1925
April 9, 2021 by 2 Comments
Neil Anderson loves his Bulldogs and they did not let him down with their Round 3 annihilation of North Melbourne.
Almanac Footy: Season 39
April 9, 2021 by 12 Comments
It all started Round 4, 1983! Old Dog takes a funny look at the start to his 39th season of adult footy. As well as a love of family and football.
Almanac (and Odd Friday) Lunch – Friday, April 23: Ron Reed
April 9, 2021 by 2 Comments
The next Almanac/Odd Friday Lunch is on the 23rd April. It will feature veteran sports journo Ron Reed. Ron will be discussing his latest book, War Games, as well as yarns from his long career.
Round 4 – Sydney v Essendon: Another of those heart stoppers!
April 9, 2021 by 9 Comments
Another cracker-jack game between the Swans and Bombers as a relieved Jan Courtin explains.
VAFA Premier B Section – Williamstown CYMS FC: The Ladder
April 9, 2021 by 3 Comments
Having climbed through the lower rungs of the VAFA, this Saturday the Williamstown CYMS Football Club will play its first ever match in Premier B Section. Smokie muses on the notion of climbing ladders.
Almanac Footy Comment: The brilliance of the Sydney Swans Academy is changing the AFL landscape
April 9, 2021 by 3 Comments
The Sydney Swans worked out what best suited their need to retain players – and acted. It’s up to other clubs to do what’s best for them argues Deakin student Chris Mangos.[Interesting – Ed]
Almanac Comedy: ‘Mo Goes to the Dogs’
April 9, 2021 by 6 Comments
Kevin Densley introduces an episode of the classic Australian radio comedy series, McCackie Mansion, from just after WW2, starring the legendary actor/comedian Mo. In this episode, Mo McCackie, his son, Young Harry, Uncle Horrible and Spencer the Garbageman go to the Harold Park dogs – KD describes it as “seven and a half minutes of hilarious, nostalgic joy”.
Round 4 – Sydney v Essendon: I have no nails left after yet another classic!
April 9, 2021 by 1 Comment
Another nail-biting classic between the Swans and Bombers as Sydney hang on for a three point win. Caspar McLeod reports.
Balcony Banter: Footy is back at the ‘G’
April 8, 2021 by Leave a Comment
The return of footy to the MCG has, for some, an almost spiritual dimension. Two such insights appeared recently on the MCG Members’ blog Balcony Banter.
Almanac Footy History: The Crapp Chronicles Part 8 – Assaulting a Crapp
April 8, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Tim Guys returns with Part 8 of his series about Ivo Crapp whose umpiring in the 1904 Round 10 clash between Geelong and Carlton had courtroom consequences.
Round 4 – Sal’s Preview: The return of the spearhead and local footy
April 8, 2021 by Leave a Comment
After a series of ‘bags’ last weekend, Sal thinks that ‘the age of the spearhead’ may have returned to the footy. He also casts his eye over the fields at Randwick.
Almanac Rugby League: Meeting Tommy Raudonikis after the 1981 Grand Final
April 8, 2021 by 2 Comments
Wayne Ball goes back to his childhood to recall his memory of ‘the people’s champion’, Tommy Raudonikis.
Almanac Rugby League: Iosia Soliola, a legend on and off the field!
April 8, 2021 by Leave a Comment
‘Iosia Soliola is one of the most well-regarded rugby league players I have ever encountered personally or heard of. He was (and is) an absolute champion of a fellow with the Sydney Roosters, Newtown Jets, St Helens and the Canberra Raiders.’ Here’s why!
Book Release: ‘War Games’ by Ron Reed
April 8, 2021 by Leave a Comment
The most recent book by veteran journalist Ron Reed is called ‘War Games’ which deals with his father’s wartime experiences in Japan, and the plan Ron had to honour those memories with one last trip to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympic Games.
Almanac Rugby League – NRL Round 5: Is there more to this competition than meets the eye?
April 8, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Are the Dragons going to confound the ‘experts’? What are the Titans made of, and do the Sharks have enough teeth to maul the Roosters? Ian Hauser previews the NRL’s Round 5.
The Furphy Literary Award 2021
April 8, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Entries for the Furphy Literary Award for 2021 close on April 30. More details in this post.
Almanac Footy (and Life): A sense of perspective
Patrick O’Brien’s two favourite teams, Arsenal and St Kilda, endured horror Easter weekends on the field. He was distraught but two pieces of reading recalibrated his thoughts and challenged him to take a new perspective.