For Anzac Day, Michael Sexton brings us the story of Stan ‘Bub’ Smith – West Torrens footballer, soldier, club administrator. ‘Smith had every reason to be sour on life and football, but he acted against the darkness and embraced the light the game could provide.’
Creeping Anzacism
April 24, 2020 by 9 Comments
Bernard Whimpress’s book on Australian cricket captain Joe Darling has just been released. It’s timely to return to an essay written by Bernard which offers his thoughts on the influence of the ANZAC phenomenon. [This paper was first published here in 2012 – Ed]
Almanac Obituary: Vale Michael Bowden
April 23, 2020 by 4 Comments
Michael Bowden was a wonderful man. John Harms shares a few thoughts in introducing the obituary which appeared in the Fairfax papers. [We are thinking of The Bowdens at this sad time – JTH]
Almanac Rugby League: The Manly Way
April 23, 2020 by 5 Comments
Why do we choose to follow a particular footy club? What is it that makes us stick with them through thick and thin? In our ongoing Thursday series of rugby league reflections, Lindsey Cuthbertson explains why it’s ‘The Manly Way’ for him.
‘The man behind the story of the Saints’ 1970 glory……’ by KB Hill
April 23, 2020 by 2 Comments
KB Hill loves promoting anything positive about country sport, especially in Victoria’s north-east. Today he puts in a good word for David Johnston’s recently released book, ‘1970 – the Year of the Saints’.
2020 Fearless Round 1: The Corona Virus…Strange times Archie…indeed… strange times!
April 23, 2020 by 1 Comment
Fearless is back for 2020 with his belated AFL Round 1 report. Also he comments upon some current footy news.
The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 4 – West Coast v Carlton: At least our song is better than theirs
April 23, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Cameron Noakes had it all on the line when the Blues took on the Eagles way out west. By game’s end, the only thing in his favour was a better club song – not that he heard it very often!
The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 4 – Melbourne v Fremantle: First time live
April 23, 2020 by 1 Comment
Mark Branagan is a Swans supporter but his attendance at games is far more catholic. Twelve years after the Dockers entered the comp, he thought it might be just about time to have a look at them. He picked a good day.
Almanac Obituaries: A toast to Pubby Dave
April 22, 2020 by 8 Comments
Pubby Dave has played his last game of cricket for the Clifton Hill Cricket Club. Gigs pays tribute to a fine innings played.
The 2020 Sir Stirling Moss Cup – Round 5
April 22, 2020 by 4 Comments
Earl O’Neill surveys the weekend games from AFL Round 5 and mourns the loss of another sporting great. [Ed: Thanks for imagining what the season could have been like Earl!]
Trivia question – who finished runners up more times than Collingwood between 1958 and 1990?
Back in Time 1993 – From the Snowy Mountains to the MCG
April 22, 2020 by 2 Comments
For Pamela Sherpa it was a long trip to the MCG from the Snowy Mountains for the 1993 Grand Final. But, it was worth it!
1966 and all that: Round 3 – North Melbourne v St Kilda
April 22, 2020 by 4 Comments
It’s Round 3, 1966 and Peter Clark takes us to Arden Street for the match between North and the Saints. And fills us in on the other scores and what’s going on in the world. [Includes a link to The Age coverage of the round as well – Ed]
Almanac Footy History: Ossie not Charlie – in search of a player
April 22, 2020 by 2 Comments
Geelong Football Club committeeman, historian and memorabilia collector Bob Gartland relates his story of how he came to correctly identify a mis-named player from the famous exhibition match at The Oval in London during World War I.
The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 4 – Hawthorn v Geelong: A memorable match
April 22, 2020 by 3 Comments
Although Geelong lost, for John Harms it was a match to remember, his first at York Park in Launceston, Round 4 2007, Hawthorn v Geelong. This is John’s report from The Footy Almanac 2007.
The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 4 – Adelaide v Sydney: A difficult game for tipsters!
April 22, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Round 4 2007 between Adelaide and Sydney was a difficult game for tipsters as John Kingsmill reported in ‘The Footy Almanac 2007’.
Country Footy: You wouldn’t like a game would you?
April 21, 2020 by 8 Comments
Inspired by the opening chapter of Footy Town, and a case of the lock down blues, Neil Anderson remembers his Panmure career that might have been.
Why I Hate Victorians
April 21, 2020 by 54 Comments
Peter Baulderstone takes aim at all things Victorian from his mineshaft in Western Australia. Is he serious? Is he right? He’s certainly hostile. (This 2018 effort has had revived interest among the non-Victorian audience. Can’t think why. PB in pre-flag warrior mode – Ed)
Memories from an Old Wooden Box
April 21, 2020 by 9 Comments
Objects can provide a gateway to memory. While sorting through his study, Allan Barden rediscovered an old wooden box. Its contents took him on quite a journey.
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