Sad news for Australian cricket fans with news today of the passing of Test great Keith Stackpole. ‘Stackie’ was a dasher, an entertainer and, later, a respected commentator who told it as he saw it!
Almanac Life: Hair Now And Then
Hair loss is a very real issue for many of us. Allan Barden offers some thoughts on the process of balding.
Almanac (Papal) Prognostication: Searching for a new Pontiff
With the passing of Pope Francis, speculation abounds about who his successor will be. Regular correspondent Roger Lowrey offered his prognostications to the Almanac two months ago when Francis first fell ill. We’ll soon know how prescient his thoughts prove to be.
Troy Luff interview, February 1997
Earl O’Neill digs into the vault to share an interview he did with Troy Luff under the Brewongle Stand on 17 February 1997. It’s all the more interesting as we now consider his comments and thoughts with the advantage of hindsight.
Almanac (Creative) Footy: In the games room with the interchanges
Carolyn Spooner continues her amazing series examing players in specific positions on the footy field. Carolyn’s creative juices this episode flow to those who inhabit the interchange bench. And what a fascinating collection of stories this entails! And somehow she weaves in all sorts of games and past-times as well. (Epic, Carolyn – Ed.)
Almanac Footy History: Alf Hedge – The Bloods’ Braveheart (Part 2)
Roger Spaull’s story of Alf Hedge continues with Part 2.
Almanac Soccer: English Premier League Matchweek 33 Highlights 24/25
Ollie Wade continues his detailed coverage of the main games in Week 33 of the EPL 2024/25 season with reports on two cracking games.
Round 7 – AFL Footy Fixture Season 2025: Who, when, and where
Find out who, where, and when your time is playing in Round 7 of the AFL Footy Season.
Almanac Footy History: Alf Hedge – The Bloods’ braveheart (Part 1)
Roger Spaull is one of the Almanac’s much-loved writers. He brings to life great characters, usually sporting characters, of days gone by. His ANZAC Day story this year is of South Melbourne’s Alf Hedge. Such is the breadth and depth of Roger’s research and writing, we are publishing his story in three parts, starting today (Tuesday, April 22). The next two parts will be published on Wednesday and Thursday. We are grateful to Roger for these wonderful contributions, which always generate a lot of interest.
Almanac Poetry: Empty Football Oval on a Saturday Afternoon
What’s in an empty oval? John Gordon offers two thoughts, both full of insight and meaning.
Almanac Footy: Swans, whither thou goest!
Richard Davis is calling on his fellow Swans supporters to ‘strap in tightly and enjoy the ride’ as the club seeks to re-set its game plan in season 2025.
Almanac Travel: Travel Shorts NYC #6
With the 6th Edition of his ‘New York City Travel Shorts’, Ian Wilson and Lynda explore the exciting sights and sounds of Broadway, Central Park and The Guggenheim.
Cam Hooke’s Collingwood Life 2025: Round 6 Review / Round 7 Preview
Cam Hooke’s Collingwood Life 2025 presents the match review for Round 6 and also previews the upcoming Round 7 match on ANZAC Day against Essendon.
Round 6 – Brisbane v Collingwood (Floreat Pica): A marker is laid
Guy Fazzino travelled to the Gabba to see the clash between the reigning premiers and the serious contenders and compiled this Floreat Pica Society Report.
Round 6 – West Coast v Essendon: Eagles swoop but Bombers prevail
It was a hard slog for the Bombers against a spirited West Coast Eagle as Peter Wright with 6 goals proving to the winning difference between the two teams.
Almanac Poetry: The Ballad of Alexander Pearce
Kevin Densley suggests you read his poem this week with “fava beans and a nice bottle of Chianti” for reasons which will become obvious. [We are giving KD’s poem prominence again because of the reference to Alexander Pearce in a recent Ian Wilson piece.]
Almanac Illness: Fever
An ill Dips O’Donnell while reclining on the couch his fevered mind recalls images and words of advice from uncles years ago.
Almanac Travel: Closing The Book On Alexander Pearce
Ian Wilson continues his travels in Tasmania, this in and around Strahan, and in search of the infamous Alexander Pearce.
Round 6 – Sal’s Preview: Here is to the gathering.
Sal Ciardulli presents his Round 6 preview and selections, and also his racing tips for this weekend.











Recent Comments