In his 2015 Tom Brock Lecture, Sasha Lennon explored the link between the Queensland rugby league State of Origin team and the broader Queensland community. In the lead-up to tomorrow night’s Game 1 of the 2020 Origin series, we revisit Sasha’s lecture.
Almanac Rugby League: Queensland Origin and Community – Playing for the People
November 3, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Podcast: Don Watson on Keating’s Redfern Speech, 1992
November 2, 2020 by 2 Comments
It’s considered one of the finest ever examples of Australian oratory. Tony Wilson shares with us speechwriter Don Watson’s take on then Prime Minister Paul Keating’s incredible Redfern Speech
Almanac Poetry: 2020 AFL Grand Final Haiku Kukai – smoke and lasers
November 2, 2020 by 4 Comments
Haiku Bob’s annual AFL Grand Final Haiku Kukai has been another great success. Check out the results.
Grand Final – Richmond v Geelong: The Aftermath
November 2, 2020 by 10 Comments
There was a near inevitability to the Richmond win over Geelong for KN Dole, based on years of astute observation. It wasn’t all roses on or off the field though – for team and supporter alike.
An Ode to Harry: One of the Footy Gods’ own Prototypes
November 2, 2020 by 1 Comment
After his understated exit from the AFL, Denis Gedling pays tribute to wonderful defender and sometime strange cat, Harry Taylor.
Almanac Life: The First Beer After Lock-Down
November 2, 2020 by 4 Comments
The first beer after lockdown tasted sweet. But Smokie explains why the hesitation remains
Almanac Horseracing: Melbourne Cup – Sal’s Preview: Are we in for a big surprise? Yeah Baby yeah!
November 1, 2020 by Leave a Comment
We’ve jumped from Grand Finals into the Melbourne Cup via Derby Day in record time. Sal Ciardulli’s been up for the challenge of 2020 since the get go, he gives his previews for the final time in an extraordinary year.
Almanac Horseracing: Melbourne Cup lead-up races in one place
November 1, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Here’s the form you need to sort out the 2020 Melbourne Cup. The seven important races – gathered from YouTube
Almanac (Covid) Life: Love in the Time of Coronavirus – Part 2
October 31, 2020 by 9 Comments
E. regnans continues his journal of life and love in the time of coronavirus. In this instalment, he channels the thoughts of Andre who contemplates the not inconsiderable challenges of ‘opening up’.
Adrift
October 31, 2020 by 23 Comments
Seven months ago, in March 2020, ‘Smokie’ Dawson offered these thoughts as we moved into the full brunt of Covid-19. ‘Our generation has had a charmed run, says Smokie. But that is all about to change. It follows that the AFL will also be forced into change when we come out the other side of COVID-19. ‘
Trick-or-Treating Malcolm Blight
October 30, 2020 by 18 Comments
From Halloween knocking on the (rumoured) door of one of the greatest ever footballers to chatting footy with God and masquerading with Murali, these are some of Damian Balassone’s treasured tales from decades past.
Almanac (Footy) Songs: Dangerfield
October 30, 2020 by 1 Comment
Simon Minahan breaks his Almanac duck with a song. Shortly before the Grand Final, he penned these lyrics about Patrick Dangerfield, to be sung to Jimmy Webb’s tune ‘Galveston’. [Good to have your words on the Almanac site Simon – JTH]
Almanac Short Fiction: ‘Bostell’s Lager Man’
October 30, 2020 by 4 Comments
The opening of Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis’, in which Gregor Samsa awakes from uneasy sleep to find himself transformed into a giant bug, receives an unusual twist in this short story from Kevin Densley. Is KD’s piece a strange cautionary tale? An example of ‘the Aussie surreal’? A modern Aesop’s fable with its origins in the brewery? You be the judge.
Almanac Horseracing: Sal’s preview – Derby Day: Christmas for punters, you just can’t be there
October 30, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Derby Day has Sal excited, even if he can’t get to Flemington for a big program. Regardless, he has all the inside information for you.
AFL 2020: A Reflection (featuring this year’s Premiership poster)
October 30, 2020 by 5 Comments
Ben the Artist returns with his thoughts on the season like no other and reveals his annual premiership poster to celebrate the Tigers’ back-to-back flags.
Grand Final – Richmond v Geelong: On Grand Final day things started going wrong long before the bounce.
October 29, 2020 by Leave a Comment
In hindsight, Hamish Townsend realises that the omens were there long before the game started. But why did his match ticket have to be among the Richmond hordes?
Almanac Rugby League: Covid and Season 2020
October 29, 2020 by 4 Comments
John Campbell discovered footy podcasts as he whiled away the season. He offers a few thoughts about their qualities.
Balcony Banter: No reign on the parade
October 29, 2020 by 1 Comment
MCC Member Grant Fraser looks back over the recent fortunes of the Hawthorn Football Club for ‘Balcony Banter’.
Almanac Rugby League: Controversies that never end
October 29, 2020 by 1 Comment
Harold Peacock recalls two controversial grand finals involving Ipswich, one rugby league, the other musical.
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