In light of Fathers’ Day this weekend, we’ve reprised this wonderful writing from Damian Balassone, who takes us on a beautiful familial journey of joining the Collingwood faithful via Abruzzo, Dights Falls and Victoria Park with thanks to his late father, Donato.
Almanac Flashback – ‘Creeket iz life’: Mathilde de Hauteclocque
September 7, 2020 by 15 Comments
Fathers’ Day has come and gone, but there are always more stories of family and fathers from the Almanac archives…
Mathilde de Hauteclocque tells the story of her love of cricket and in doing so reveals much about her family, especially her father, the French Count, and his deep appreciation of the game (‘Creeket iz life’). A great tale of where life takes you and what it offers when your eyes are open and alert to possibility.
Round 15 – Brisbane v Collingwood: Well-scheduled work breaks worth nothing
September 6, 2020 by Leave a Comment
It felt like a movie scene. I’d already pulled the strings. Some would say it takes a clever mind and Zen-like patience to wait to have your work break six hours into your shift just so you can catch the first ten minutes of your footy team playing. Some would say [Read more]
Almanac Father’s Day
September 6, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Some writing by fathers and about fathers.
Cam Hooke’s Collingwood Life: Round 15 Review, Round 16 Preview
September 5, 2020 by Leave a Comment
It may have been a disappointing loss for the Pies, but Cam Hooke has the answers for Collingwood in the coming weeks as they make a charge for the finals.
Almanac (Backyard ISO) Games: I’ve Found a Winner
September 5, 2020 by Leave a Comment
COVID is having an impact Down South. It seems to have gotten a hold of Steve Earl. This is what they’re doing at Chez Earl. [RUOK – JTH]
Round 15 – Brisbane v Collingwood: Magpies and Lions and Dogs, oh my!
September 5, 2020 by 2 Comments
Last night gave Danielle Hakim an opportunity to reach new levels of fanaticism for Brayden Maynard. A report full of Danielle’s typical passion, her struggles with the Pies continued into the post-match Twitter-sphere.
Round 15 – Sydney v Melbourne: Well, doesn’t that break your heart. No, mate, not my heart!
September 5, 2020 by 9 Comments
It was an unusual time for footy, but Jan Courtin quickly chose to follow her Swans as they upset the Demons. Off the back of some strange commentary, she rode the ups and downs of the young Sydney team.
Round 15 – Brisbane v Collingwood: Everything’s coming up Milhouse, just
September 5, 2020 by 9 Comments
Shane Reid is hopeful about Brisbane’s chances – what’s not to love about a home Grand Final and a tight win over the Pies? But constant behinds and scrubby quarters still linger in the back of his mind.
Almanac (Footy) Reminiscence: Planting a blue and white garden
September 5, 2020 by 6 Comments
It’s the first week of the finals in 2007 and John Harms and The Handicapper are contemplating the colour of the plants for their spring garden. [A version of this was published in The Age – Ed]
Round 16 – Sal’s Preview: Like Tiger moths to the flame
September 5, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Sal Ciardulli previews Round 16 of the footy and Feehan Stakes day at the races and can’t resist a comment on the genius footballers on the Gold Coast.
Almanac Five Day
September 5, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Happy Almanac Five Day (for today, September 5). It may not seem like much but it would help enormously if you made a $5 contribution towards ensuring the Almanac is sustained.
Almanac (Footy) Life: Folly In The Goalsquare
September 4, 2020 by 6 Comments
Five years after he’d retired from ammos footy, Smokie Dawson gets the call from TR, the coach of Willy CY’s reserves. Here’s what happened. [This is a piece from ‘Footy Town’, a collection of stories about country, suburban and amateur footy – Ed]
Round 16 – Footy fixture: Who, where, and when your team is playing.
September 4, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Find out where, when and who your team is playing in Round 16 2020.
Almanac Basketball: 2020 NBA Playoffs – Series One Review
September 4, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Sean Mortell presents his thoughts about the 2020 NBA playoffs featuring Series One of the Western and Eastern Conferences.
Almanac Premierships Against The Odds: The Premiership Bandits
September 4, 2020 by 2 Comments
Fresh from winning Basketball Victoria’s 2019 Media Award for his book ‘Not Bad Thanks’, Graeme Willingham returns to share an extract from the book.
Almanac History: Captain Bert James, R.A.F. (1895-1918)
September 4, 2020 by 6 Comments
Kevin Densley remembers his relative, Captain Bert James RAF whose life was tragically cut short in a flying accident during WW1.
1981 Revisited – Finals Week 1: ‘To Cut a Long Story Short’
September 3, 2020 by 5 Comments
It’s finals time in Stainless’ look back at the 1981 season. In the first week, there are multiple upsets that disrupt the course of the finals series.
Almanac (Unhappy Fan) Life: Where has our game gone?
September 3, 2020 by 10 Comments
John Agar is not happy with the quality of game we’re being served up in 2020, and he’s ranting. Is he alone in his opinion? Please let him know! [You’re far from alone, John – IJH]
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