Piloting his Triumph Sprint from the SCG to the city’s West, Earl O’Neill ponders a Swans team in decline as the Giants, being coached from the bench, add some spark to their season.
Almanac Footy History: KT’s ton – 40 years on
July 26, 2018 by 8 Comments
Mic Rees celebrates Kelvin Templeton’s remarkable 1978 season when he kicked more than one third of Footscray’s score.
David Payne, Football and Conquering Addictions
July 25, 2018 by 46 Comments
As a man who has understood what it’s like to have faced his own battles with alcohol, Malcolm Ashwood writes a raw and honest profile on Norwood premiership star David Payne, who has rebuilt his life after alcohol and gambling took hold.
Simon Madden and the 5.07PM train from Moonee Ponds
July 25, 2018 by 7 Comments
Wracked with memories, apprehension and a sense of a real “sliding doors” moment, Craig Dodson had the chance to meet his first footy hero, Dons ruck extraordinaire, Simon Madden.
Almanac Rugby League – NRL Round 19: Cronulla v Canberra – Fine margins, shared moments
July 25, 2018 by 3 Comments
Paul Macadam returns to these pages after a long break as his Cronulla remains in the NRL finals race [and a memorable opening couplet – Ed]
The Artful Defender by KB Hill
July 25, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Defenders aren’t traditionally the most popular heroes on-field, but some are exceptional – like Jim Sandral who played in one of the greatest of all time sides, Melbourne 1956. KB Hill shares his story from Corowa to getting lifts with Norm Smith to training and back again.
A 200-Game Richmond Coach: Yes, Really!
July 25, 2018 by 3 Comments
In a big week at Tigerland, Stainless has penned an ode to the coach responsible for so much of the current Richmond story, Dimma (or Mr. Hardwick) ahead of game 200.
Round 18 – Collingwood v North Melbourne: Smug Pies
July 25, 2018 by 1 Comment
A rush to the ‘G for Sean Mortell after his Under 19s match to check out the class-above Pies account for a middling North Melbourne side.
Fitzroy Junior FC – Trivia Night & ‘Fitzroy Idol’ (July 28)
July 25, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Fitzroy Junior Football Club are holding a trivia night and ‘Fitzroy Idol’ performance – it’s on this weekend, so get in quick if you want to be involved. Details inside.
1973 – The VFL Around The Groundsmen
July 24, 2018 by 17 Comments
Swish has come across this early 70s tribute to VFL around the grounds radio commentators and asks what it was like on your AM dial?
Round 18 – Sydney v Gold Coast: We’re still fourth!
July 24, 2018 by 7 Comments
‘Each week brings up unbelievable upsets and we don’t want to be on the end of one of those….!’
Jan Courtin reflects on a devastating Sydney loss to the Suns on the weekend.
Almanac (Footy) Poetry – The Rhymer: The Coach’s Dream
July 24, 2018 by 1 Comment
The Rhymer ponders what makes a coach’s perfect player in his latest poem.
Cam Hooke’s Collingwood life – Round 18: Why we are Collingwood supporters
July 24, 2018 by Leave a Comment
‘True Believers, that AFL game is why we are Collingwood supporters.’ Read Cam Hooke’s latest on all things Pies.
Round 18 – Collingwood v North Melbourne (Floreat Pica Society)
July 23, 2018 by 1 Comment
Peter Butler takes us to Scotland and the 1950s among a variety of places and times for his Floreat Pica Society report on Collingwood v North Melbourne.
Almanac Art – Aussie Rules: Passion and Pain Exhibition
July 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment
You are all invited to the Opening of ‘Aussie Rules – Passion and Pain Exhibition’. Inspired by Yvette Wroby’s ‘Siren’s Call’, the event has it all, a fan’s room, memorabilia exhibitions from Collingwood and St Kilda FC’s, with Martin Flanagan as guest speaker, and tons of art from Almanac’s Kendra Heil, Kate Birrell and Yvette Wroby. Please RSVP. Details within.
The Odd Friday Lunch – with Heath Scotland at the North Fitzroy Arms (July 27)
July 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Dependable defender, best and fairest winner and 250 gamer, Heath Scotland will be the Odd Friday Lunch guest this week (July 27).
Round 18 – Sydney v Gold Coast: Dawn over a former fortress
July 23, 2018 by 2 Comments
The Gold Coast sprung the most audacious of heists in Sydney, snatching four points from the Swans that most had already banked for the Bloods. Jarrod Landells recounts a famous victory.
A Lament for the Absolutely Lamentable – Carlton v The Fine Young Cannibals
July 23, 2018 by 3 Comments
Rick N takes us back to when Carlton were A Good Thing, but now the team just Drives Me (him) Crazy.
State of the game?
Our favourite gum-tree themed writer waddles back into the debate around “The State of the Game.”