Almanac Rugby League – Some push pianos, others play them

In our continuing series of rugby league stories, Steve and Col Wilson tinkle the ivories to explain why ‘some players push pianos while others play them’. They argue that it’s one aspect of the game that has never changed.

The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 3 – North Melbourne v Hawthorn: A game of two halves

Sam Pang and Brendan Murray were underwhelmed by a scrappy first half at Telstra Dome before some decent footy finally unveiled itself to please even the most ardent critics.

The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 3 – Melbourne v Geelong : A young Tomahawk axes his critics

John Harms was on the spot to see young Tom Hawkins leave his mark on this clash with the Dees. The kid silenced his would-be critics and the Cats ran riot.

Almanac Music – David Bridie: Solomon Islands Ferry Disaster Appeal

Musician David Bridie and Wantok Musik are seeking the support and donations from Almanac readers for the Solomon Islands Ferry Disaster Appeal. Please help if you can.

Spanish Flu, the COVID-19 pandemic and the AFL/VFL

Covid-19 and its effect on the AFL 2020 has Richard Davis wondering if or when the season may resume.

A memory of Swansea Swans/Bulldogs – Gone, but not forgotten: Part 2 Photographs

Allan Barden follows up his history of the Swansea FC with a collection of photographs of teams gone by.

A memory of Swansea Swans/Bulldogs: Gone, but not forgotten

Every country footy club is someone’s footy club. The recently out of commission Swansea is Allan Barden’s. A story at once unique yet wholy familiar from the East Coast of Tasmania. [Exceptional – Ed.]

1966 and all that: Round 2 – St Kilda v Carlton

Peter Clark continues his review of St Kilda’s 1966 season. In Round 2 this week, the Blues visit the Saints’ new fortress at Moorabbin. And Gough takes a hit.

Almanac Music – Stereo Stories: ‘Walking About’ Venom P. Stinger

A late night music clip on “Rage” stimulated a return for Jane Leonard to her forgotten 1988 self. [Terrific read – Ed]

The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 3 – St Kilda v Western Bulldogs: Saints too good

Big win to the Saints in their Round 3 2007 match against the Bulldogs as reported by Howard Kimber in The Footy Almanac 2007.

The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 3 – Sydney v Brisbane: A day of milestones

Round 3 2007, Sydney v Brisbane was a big day for milestones and a fighting victory for the Swans reported Tony Roberts in The Footy Almanac 2007.

Everyday Obits: Vale Ron Blainey

Trevor Blainey is a great friend of the Almanac. Recently his Dad Ron passed away. Here is the eulogy he delivered at the memorial service thanks to Tony Wilson at Speakola. [Condolences to you and Cassie and your family, Trev – JTH]

The Wisteria Diary – Watching the curve

Like all of us, John Butler is watching the curve, wondering where it will lead us.

Almanac Poetry: A to Z of Footballers Past

Kevin Densley puts an A-Z of retired footballers to verse. (Who would you have picked for U? – Ed).

The 2020 Viv Albertine Cup – Round 4

Earl O’Neill has waited all season for the footy to start. But the footy season already seems a bit predictable, with the top teams separating from the pack. Earl gives us the Round 4 results, but his heart and mind was in the top flight books that occupied his Easter.

The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 3 – Fremantle v West Coast

The Eagles took the Derby points, but Les Everett saw signs of further trouble in their continuing siege mentality over off-field controversies.

The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 3 – Port Adelaide v Adelaide

Rivalry Round in in 2007 meant it was Showdown time in Adelaide. The game left John Kingsmill weighing the value of anger against confidence.

Footy Town

Footy Town: Stories of Australia’s Game is out now.

Read the blurb and Daff’s foreword to this collection of 48 local footy yarns.

1981 Revisited – Round 3: ‘Oh no, not you again!’

Stainless Steele is torn between honouring a commitment to a music rehearsal and staying at the MCG to watch a classic between Richmond and Essendon. And this was also the round of Jeff Fehring’s kick.

Almanac Footy History: Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century

Longtime friend of the Almanac Fitzroy Pete (Carter) has written a book: Fitzroy’s Fabulous Century. Here he explains the origins of his love of Fitzroy, as well as something about the book which is now available. [Do yourself a favour- JTH]