(Covid) Training for Two

Old Dog has been busy – he’s turned his formidable experience on footy grounds to a guide for training when coronavirus has got you down or even just distanced. All you need is a footy and a mate. [A variation of ‘three-drop’ has always been one of my faves too – Ed.]

Old Autograph Books: Robyn Lloyd – Part 5

Robyn Lloyd shares the last of her pages of old footy players’ autographs – for now.

Almanac Fandom: Tuffy Rhodes Day

A sports story with a twist from Ben Fenton-Smith. Non-fiction. Baseball. Japan. And a wonderful denouement. This incident marked the start of a beautiful friendship.

Old Autograph Books: Roger Lowrey

More autographs. Some famous Geelong names from the 1960s.

Old Autograph Books: Robyn Lloyd – Part 4

More footy autographs, courtesy of Robyn Lloyd.

Almanac Obituaries: Colin Churchett

Colin Churchett, best known as a post-war Glenelg full forward, passed away in 2012. Mike Sexton paid tribute to him. (Reprised)

Old Autograph Books: Robyn Lloyd – Part 3

Robyn Lloyd continues to share her treasure-trove of footy players’ autographs.

Almanac Horseracing – Sal’s Preview: Living Legends Day at Flemington

It’s Living Legends Day at Flemington this Saturday. Sal Ciardulli has cast his eye over the field and made his tips. Happy punting!

Almanac Junior Footy: Golden memories of little league glory

Mark Hodgetts is gazing forward at a golden anniversary of eternal glory – albeit on a small scale – the victorious South Barwon Koalas’ season, winners of the local little league in 1971. [Lovely memoir – Ed]

1981 Revisited – Round 9: ‘Guilty’

Stainless continues his journey through Season 1981 with Round 9, best remembered for the ‘Doug Cox affair’ between St Kilda and Richmond.

Jan Courtin’s Autograph Book: Some stellar Swans

Jan Courtin has dug out her old autograph book to share some famous names with Almanackers.

Almanac Footy History: Sir Doug Nicholls and a surprise (for some)

This weekend would have been Indigenous Round in the AFL. It’s named after Sir Doug Nicholls. Historian (and the ultimate footy person) Rod Gillett reminds us of Sir Doug’s story – and tells us that he’s actually eligible for a significant New South Wales side. [Beaut piece Rocket – JTH]

Almanac Life: Video Store

According to Smokie Dawson, Netflix has nothing on the social interaction which the local video store once provided.

Super Duper

Another terrific footy poem from Damian Balassone; Super Duper, Bruce Duperouzel.

Blue Angels and Thunderbirds fly together: NYC Tribute to First Responders

Steve Earl’s mate, former Blue Angel Commander Jim Naumann, has provided a link to the fantastic aero display by the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds in their tribute to NYC first responders.

Almanac Footy History: 50 Years On – Hawthorn’s Nadir, May 1970

It’s a question that has bugged Warwick Nolan for 50 years! What on earth happened to Hawthorn in that 12 months between May 1970 and May 1971?

Old Autograph Books: Robyn Lloyd – Part 2

Robyn Lloyd shares the next batch of her old autograph books. Recognise any?

Almanac Rugby League – Final draw for remainder of the 2020 NRL season

The revised NRL 2020 draw has been announced. See all the details here.

Old Autograph Books: Robyn Lloyd – Part 1

Robyn Lloyd recently dug out her old autograph book and sent in some photos. We’re trying to work out some of the names. [Some great names here – Ed]

Almanac Rugby League – Keep the light on for Jack: A 2016 NRL Grand Final preview

In 2016, the Cronulla Sharks made the NRL Grand Final for the first time in decades, still seeking their initial premiership. Life-long fan Kath Presdee spent the week leading up to the big match recounting her, and the club’s, journey to that point in time.