Andrew ‘Gigs’ Gigacz was on top of the world on this day 50 years ago as he headed to the Western Oval with Slade’s ‘Far, Far Away’. He’s learnt an important life lesson from that day.
[On the 50th anniversary of this tragic accident we reprise Gigs’ account of the event from a few years ago – ED]
Almanac Footy: Fifty years ago, ‘Far, Far Away’
April 11, 2025 by 17 Comments
Almanac Horse Racing: Jumps Racing Preview – Pakenham, Sunday 13 April 2025
April 11, 2025 by Leave a Comment
They are racing at Pakenham this Sunday. Dandy Andy has cast his eye over the card and made his selections for the meeting.
Almanac Road Trips: Blue Ribbon Ride to Remember 2025 Ararat
April 11, 2025 by 4 Comments
Stan Kluzek recalls fond memories of the Stawell / Ararat area during this year’s Blue Ribbon Ride of Remember he made with his wife Marlene.
Almanac Sports History – When three codes crossed borders: Ironies of footballs’ first Internationals
April 10, 2025 by 1 Comment
As the Aussie Rules footy world’s attention is drawn to the AFL’s 2025 Gather Round in Adelaide, the once mighty clash between Victoria and South Australia is being replayed on minor ovals between the men’s and women’s teams of the now second-level Victorian Football League and South Australian National Football League. Geoffrey Gold recalls when the inaugural representative match between two rival Australian colonies completed the trifecta of first internationals of major codes, Rugby Union in 1871, Association Football (soccer) in 1872 and Australian Rules in 1879.
Round 5 – Sal’s Preview: Gather around your TV
April 10, 2025 by 5 Comments
Sal takes a look at Gather Round, the annual SA ‘benefit round’, with matches spread across several venues. His tips for both Bendigo and Randwick are also there for those who like a punt o n the nags.
NRL Round 6 – Prop by the Sea: You gotta love footy!
April 10, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Prop by the Sea is top of the Almanac NRL tipping ladder after a solid Round 5 where others struggled. Can he maintain his form in Round 6?
Almanac Rugby League: There’s always next year
April 10, 2025 by 7 Comments
They say ‘there’s always next year’, but sometimes there simply isn’t. Mark Courtney’s poignant story recalls his decades-long friendship with his best mate, Greg, and their total commitment to the South Sydney Rabbitohs. (We reprise this wonderfully offering after Mark alluded to it at the recent Almanac rugby league lunch in Sydney – Ed.)
NRL Round 5 – Rabbit in the Vineyard: On assignment in Perth!
April 10, 2025 by 1 Comment
RITV found a new venue to catch the last exciting minutes of Souths’ clash with the Sombrero.
Almanac Rugby League: The Magnificent Murri Nine
April 10, 2025 by 2 Comments
The final scoreline doesn’t always tell the full story. Patrick Skene explains a game where what seemed like a scoreboard thrashing was, in fact, a noble loss full of character. (We’re reprising this article from Patrick Skene as a follow-up to his presentation at the recent Almanac rugby league lunch in Sydney – Ed.)
NRL Round 6: Is Trump to blame for chaotic results in the NRL?
April 10, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Surely someone is to blame for the ongoing chaos in NRL results. Could it be Donald Trump, after all he seems to be an expert at the genre.
Round 5 (Gather Round) – AFL Footy Fixture Season 2025: Who, where, and when
April 8, 2025 by Leave a Comment
It’s the Gather Round of footy in South Australia this week. Check out who, where, and when you team is playing.
Almanac Soccer: English Premier League Matchweek 31 Highlights
April 8, 2025 by 1 Comment
Ollie Wade presents his highlighted matches from Matchweek 31 of the English Premier League.
Almanac Music: My Favourite Rock Drummers – Clement Burke of Blondie (RIP)
April 8, 2025 by 31 Comments
Today’s profile of Blondie’s Clement Burke is the first in a series by KD on his favourite rock drummers.
[Clem Burke from Blondie has passed away after a battle with cancer. The Footy Almanac reprises Kevin’s post featuring Clem from a few years ago. RIP Clem Burke. -ED]
Almanac Music: Dylan Cover Songs – Every Song Vol.1: January 1961-March 1962
April 8, 2025 by 14 Comments
Bob Dylan has written over 600 songs during his incredible career. Karl Dubravs has set himself a very ambitious task of presenting every Dylan song from his very first to his most recent, and where possible, present a cover version of each song. Vol 1 commences today.
Almanac Footy: Let’s talk about Melbourne
April 7, 2025 by 3 Comments
What to make of the Dees? The dive has been distinct and Old Dog thinks he’s cottoned on to the fraying threads of a former heavyweight contender now soul searching as the Ship of Theseus that is AFL tactics sails forward.
Almanac Footy – Western District Football Wrap: Round 1 and Pre-Round 1
April 7, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Dandy Andy has a handy breakdown of how footy in Victoria’s west is shaping up as the first balls are bounced (or just about to be), featuring some big names and big hauls.
Almanac Poetry: What Happened at University This Week
April 7, 2025 by 2 Comments
According to KD, this week’s poem ‘is based upon an event which occurred during my time as a uni teacher, and reflects, in part, upon the tedium of work meetings’.
Almanac travel: Travel Shorts NYC #4
April 7, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Ian Wilson continues his ‘Travel Shorts’ collection of stories recalling his overseas travel, and New York City has plenty to see and do as he explains.
Cam Hooke’s Collingwood Life 2025: Round 4 Review / Round 5 Preview
April 6, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Great win against traditional foes Carlton reports Cam Hooke’s Collingwood Life 2025 in his Round 4 review of the match. Cam also looks ahead to Collingwood’s Round 5 clash against Sydney.
Almanac Horseracing: Jumps Racing Preview – Ballarat, Sunday 6 April 2025
April 6, 2025 by 4 Comments
The jumps are on in Ballarat today and Dandy Andy has picked a winner or two for punters.
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