Almanac Rugby League – All Stars 2021: Indigenous v Maori

The annual All Stars Indigenous v Maori clashes for both men and women take place in Townsville on Saturday, the first significant matches for the code in the new year. Read previews and check out the teams.

Falling, flapping, away from the nest

It’s moving on time for Paddy Grindlay – from home to the city, from teenager to what comes next, all in this still uncertain age of Covid. It’s enough to exercise a young man’s mind.

‘The Surrey Boys – among Beechworth’s sporting elite…’ by KB Hill

KB Hill profiles the Surrey clan from up Beechworth way. Philip and his sons Brendan and Kayde have been wonderful servants of their home teams for many years.

Almanac Tennis: The last Aussie champ

With Ash Barty’s defeat this afternoon, can you remember the last Australian to win an Australian Open singles title?

Almanac Footy History: Round 1 1971

Victoria and its footy comp looked very different 50 years ago. In anticipation of the 2021 season, Glen! takes a look back to Round 1 of the 1971 VFL season. (Some notable debuts here – Ed).

Almanac Music (and Beer): Southwark Bitter – another view

Liam Hauser has never tasted Southwark Bitter, but that didn’t mean Mickey Randall’s earlier piece didn’t hit quite a few 1980’s musical buttons, as well as a family artistic connection.

Almanac Art: Collingwood FC 1902 VFL Grand Final, MCG by DJ Williams

DJ Williams captures a crucial moment in Collingwood FC history: the 3/4 time huddle during the 1902 VFL Grand Final, as the club contemplates winning its first VFL premiership.

Almanac Beer: Southwark Bitter

Mickey Randall presents his considered thoughts about Southwark Bitter.

Almanac Football History: Fitzroy’s last finals series, the fabulous 1986 season

Following on from his recent look back at 1984, Phillip Mendes revists what was to be the final VFL/AFL finals series for the Roys; 1986. From the smashing of the ’85 premiers to the retirement of Superboot, it was a momentous year.

Almanac Music: ‘How does your Garden Grow’ – Mountain Grey

Some great sounds from the Otways featuring the Mountain Grey Band and a track from their new CD, ‘Riverstone Suite’.

AFLW Round 3 – GWS v Gold Coast Suns: Per Angusta Ad Augusta

Not even the adverse weather was stopping GWS foundation member Michael Shillito from cheering on the Giants in their AFLW Round 3 clash against Gold Coast. Here is his report of the match.

Almanac Poetry: Mister Vernacular

In this week’s poem, Kevin Densley deals with a range of colourful expressions, many of Australian origin.

Almanac Book Review: Crimmo by Dan Eddy

Grant Fraser has written a heartfelt recollection of the little blond rover who remains always in the hearts of Hawthorn, prompted by Dan Eddy’s recent book ‘Crimmo’.

Almanac Teams: Hit for Six (1980- )

Rodney Boyd moves from Number 5 to 6 this week; this side has a few players called on to play extra roles during a game.

The Pig-Headed President

Hubris reflects downfall in Damian Balassone’s topical poem, ‘The Pig-Headed President’.

Almanac Life: Two blokes walk into a pub (Part 2)

Continuing on from Kevin Densley’s piece this morning, Roger Lowrey gives his side of the summit at the Petrel Hotel in Geelong. (Is this an Almanac version of Rashomon? – Ed)

Almanac Life: Two blokes walk into a pub (Part 1)

In comradely spirit, Kevin Densley and Roger Lowrey joined forces to write a two-part piece about their recent lunch at the Petrel Hotel in Geelong West. Here’s Part 1 from Kevin Densley.

Almanac Travel: Highway 39 Revisited (with apologies to His Bobness)

Almanac editor Ian Hauser loves a road trip. He’s just back from a Noosa to Melbourne jaunt, retracing a path from 18 months ago. He and wife Anne saw a very different countryside this time around.

Almanac Music: Paul Kelly’s 50 Best Songs

In this epic piece of fan-boy appreciation, Smokie lists his favourite Paul Kelly tracks – from 50 down to 1. (‘Epic’ is hardly adequate to describe this appreciation of PK’s work. – Ed.)

1971 SANFL Mobil Cards – Part 7: Sturt

The mighty Double Blues were the kings of the SANFL at the beginning of 1971. The Mobil Footy Cards of that year featured some of their many stars. Swish has a bit to say about each of them here.