There was a time when a young Smokie wrote poetry, with one being good enough to win a literary award – in a roundabout fashion.
‘Keeping an eye on the final…..’
April 16, 2020 by 1 Comment
The spirit of a local legend keeps watch over an Under 14s cricket Grand Final in Wangaratta. Local journalist Simone Kerwin shares the experience.
Almanac Virtual: Webinar – ‘1989 The Great Grand Final’ with Harms, Wilson and Yeates
April 16, 2020 by 4 Comments
How was Dermie set up? Why was he set up? This and more intriguing questions surrounding the 1989 Grand Final revealed and answered in the Geelong Library webinar featuring John Harms, Tony Wilson, and Mark Yeates and addressed in Tony Wilson’s new book, 1989 The Great Grand Final.
Almanac Rugby League – Some push pianos, others play them
April 16, 2020 by 6 Comments
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
April 16, 2020 by Leave a Comment
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
April 16, 2020 by Leave a Comment
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
April 15, 2020 by Leave a Comment
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.
1966 and all that: Round 2 – St Kilda v Carlton
April 15, 2020 by 4 Comments
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.
The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 3 – St Kilda v Western Bulldogs: Saints too good
April 15, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Big win to the Saints in their Round 3 2007 match against the Bulldogs as reported by Howard Kimber in The Footy Almanac 2007.
Everyday Obits: Vale Ron Blainey
April 14, 2020 by 8 Comments
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
April 14, 2020 by 17 Comments
Like all of us, John Butler is watching the curve, wondering where it will lead us.
Almanac Poetry: A to Z of Footballers Past
April 14, 2020 by 10 Comments
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
April 14, 2020 by 4 Comments
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
April 14, 2020 by 3 Comments
The Eagles took the Derby points, but Les Everett saw signs of further trouble in their continuing siege mentality over off-field controversies.
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.]