Plenty of surprises in Earl O’Neill’s review of Round Nine in the (imagined) AFL season. Just when we thought the top teams were sorted, the Tigers turn into pussies and the Cats turn into Tigers. Did you hear the one about the Englishman who turned into a newsagency
Poem – Brief Sketches of Members of the Kelly Gang
May 19, 2020 by 9 Comments
Kevin Densley, on the Kelly Gang members.
Almanac Rugby League – From Big Bal to George Benson: a love letter to PNG Rugby League
May 19, 2020 by 6 Comments
Patrick Skene first took an interest in PNG rugby league when Bal Numapo arrived at the Bulldogs. Patrick’s appreciation went to another level when he attended the PNG Hunters’ first match in the Queensland Cup in 2014 at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Oval.
The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 8 – Hawthorn v St Kilda: The worst match ever?
May 19, 2020 by Leave a Comment
This game between Clarkson’s Hawks and Lyons’ Saints was described by many as the worst match ever. But Kevan Carroll thinks if you want to be entertained, go to the theatre.
The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 8 – Geelong v Fremantle: A licence to carry
May 19, 2020 by 1 Comment
It was the sort of Kardinia Park day where the ducks are looking for shelter, but John Harms braved the conditions to watch the Cats and Dockers go at it.
Cam Hooke’s Collingwood Life – 2020 Round 2 Preview
May 18, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Cam Hooke is back, giving an insight into Collingwood’s predicted Round 2 match up against the Tigers to get all Magpie-lovers excited for the season’s resumption.
1995: Bernie’s Boys make Cocky Crows eat humble pie
May 18, 2020 by 4 Comments
It will be 25 years this coming Wednesday since the Roys’ produced their last truly great performance in the VFL/AFL – Fitzroy Pete has shared with us his piece on that famous victory, featured as part of his book ‘Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century’.
Ex-players turned sports commentator – the best of the best.
May 18, 2020 by 12 Comments
As he gets back into the decidedly non-Arctic swing of things in sunny Queensland, Richard Marlow ponders on who has made the most successful transition from playing sport to sitting in front of a microphone and talking about it. Anyone he’s missed?
Almanac Book Review: 1989 The Great Grand Final
May 17, 2020 by 6 Comments
In this entertaining review of Tony Wilson’s ‘1989: The Great Grand Final’ Tasmanian Gareth Meyer weaves his experience of the year and the day together with Tony’s account.
The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 8 – Essendon v Brisbane: A hit to Brisbane’s finals hopes
May 17, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Tony Roberts had a day to forget at the old Telstra Dome. Seeing the Lions fall short to Essendon, he left cursing Jonathan Brown’s array goal kicking.
The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 8 – Adelaide v Richmond: Falling into the trap of tempo footy
May 17, 2020 by Leave a Comment
John Kingsmill ventured down to AAMI Park in Round 8, 2007, expecting to see Adelaide make light work of the Tigers. But he was surprised (and dismayed) by the tactics of the home side in a lethargic display of football.
Almanac Rugby League Obituary – Vale Arthur Summons
May 17, 2020 by 8 Comments
The rugby league world is mourning the death of Arthur Summons, the former Kangaroos captain, who has died aged 84. Liam Hauser provided this career summary and reflects on meeting the great man just a few years ago.
SANFL 1987 Grand Final – North Adelaide v Glenelg: Amayzing
May 17, 2020 by 13 Comments
Swisch Schwerdt remembers 1987, in all its 1987-ness, culminating in the North Adelaide – Glenelg Grand Final in the SANFL. [The Ricky May national anthem is a must-see – Ed]
What are you Missing?
May 16, 2020 by 15 Comments
Jan Courtin has found many positives in this period of isolation. She describes them here and she wonders what others have enjoyed about this very different time. [Superb effort with the transcribing Jan – JTH]
Sports Archaeology: A sub-discipline waiting to happen?
May 16, 2020 by 5 Comments
A visit to the old decaying Monarto cricket ground had Bernard Whimpress wondering whether there is a place for a new discipline in archaeology: Sports Archaeology. [There must be a book there! – Ed]
Almanac Life: Iso Saturdays sans footy – Bubbles, Puddles, Bears and Lions
May 16, 2020 by 3 Comments
Andrew Else considers the nature of Saturdays in the age of coronavirus, Saturdays, that is, with a couple of pre-schoolers. [Some ripper lines in here – Ed]
Almanac Footy History – Wilfred Smallhorn: The Remarkable Chicken
May 16, 2020 by 15 Comments
Adam Muyt recounts the wonderful story of Fitzroy FC legend, Wilfred ‘Chicken’ Smallhorn.
Almanac Horseracing – Sal’s Preview: We have a date!
May 15, 2020 by 1 Comment
Here are Sal Ciardulli’s tips for this weekend’s racing in Melbourne and Adelaide.
Almanac Soccer: You’ll never walk alone, even in Japan!
John Campbell just can’t get his head around ‘the world game’ even though he has been to some of the great home grounds of England and Japan. He explains why.