Almanac Book Review – In Black and White: 125 Moments That Made Collingwood

Phil Dimitriadis reviews new publication In Black and White: 125 Moments That Made Collingwood, a comprehensive history of the Magpies written by two black-and-white tragics that will surely appeal to Collingwood fans far and wide.

Round 15 – Sydney v Western Bulldogs: Youthful Revolution at the Dogs

Another piece in the Paddy Suggests series, Neil Anderson tells the tale of the lesser-known Western Bulldogs victory over Sydney in 2016, all the way back in round 15. It’s an incredible feeling when one realises how far the Dogs have come since that unlikely victory at the SCG, and the trials the then-embattled Sons of the West undertook.

AFL Round 23 – Sydney v Richmond: Miracle at the Sporting Globe (this is the Almanac’s 10,000th piece)

Part three of Paddy Suggests, Richmond’s incredible, euphoric and, yes, emotional win over Sydney in Round 23, 2014 was one of the best examples of Australian Football of all time, while Callum O’Connor’s report of the game, a rollicking tale of three Tigers following every twist and turn at the Sporting Globe, made the win all the more sweet. This was also the Almanac’s 10,000th piece (and a bloody good one, I might add).

Being a good coach – Luke Beveridge

Following his astute assessment of Alastair Clarkson, Yoshi has now provided thoughtful insight into Premiership Coach Luke Beveridge.

Almanac Cricket (Book Review): Stroke of Genius is a stroke of genius

Writer, sports historian and lover of words, Roy Hay, reviews Gideon Haigh’s Stroke of Genius and concludes it is THE cricket book to read this summer. He explains why it is so brilliant.

The radical shake-up Shield cricket needs

Scana sees problems in Australian domestic cricket, namely the lack of interest and talent in the Sheffield Shield. With the success of Australian cricket in mind, he outlines his plan for the rise of the Shield. Has he got it right?

Global Revolutions

Mickey Randall reminisces about the many wonders of his standing world globe, and the simple joys that come hand-in-hand with it.

Almanac Soccer – A-League 1,000: The Respect Edition

Hamish Neal previews Round 9 of the A-League in a tough week for the round ball code

Blind, Deaf and Clueless. Not Out, Hit Wicket

Resident Cricket Umpire Phil Hill brings to light the nuances of Law 27 Appeals and how it relates to a Hit Wicket decision.

Round 23 – Gold Coast v Port Adelaide: Schulzy Army (with Mike Hugo’s sketch)

Jay Schulz has retired. He will play with St Kevin’s in the ammos in 2017. Mike Hugo has added a sketch to Cathryn McDonald’s tribute to Jay…

Cathryn McDonald says farewell to Jay Schulz at faraway Metricon. “Schulzy will be remembered as the most-loved Port Adelaide player of his generation. He was a cult hero of a basket-case club. We believed in him when we had very little else to believe in…”

Almanac Cycling: Chapeau Jack

Australian Cyclist Jack Bobridge has retired, Dave Parker pays tribute to an extraordinary career.

Almanac Art: Bustling Billy at Punt Road (by Kate Birrell)

Billy Barrot passed away earlier this week. This is Kate Birrell’s painting of him at Punt Road. [Add your memory of Billy Barrot – Ed]

SANFL Blow-ins 1960-1990 Part 2: Central District

Having reviewed the blow-in SANFL coaches in his first article of the series, Swish starts on the playing ranks of the clubs. His beloved Central District Bulldogs is first up. How did they go? Did he miss anyone?

The contents page from The Doggies Almanac

This is the contents page taken directly from The Doggies Almanac – which is out now. [John Harms is adding info about pieces in the comments – Ed]

Almanac History: Are there any Leahys out there?

Are there any Leahys out there? Following a discussion about the Leahy family, JJ Leahy sent us this fascinating collection of short tales about his family heritage. I’m sure he would appreciate any further info. [Family history is so interesting – JTH]

Some new Leahy information has come to hand thanks to David Leahy. Read his comment.

Almanac Racing

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, quacks like a duck, are you in Koo Wee Rup?? Crio needs a bank. Help him out with your racing tips for this weekend.

Luke Beveridge, the Bulldogs faithful, and Play On

Footy means so much to so many. Just ask a Doggies supporter. In his book Play On (from the Loose Men Everywhere section) John Harms considered why. Luke Beveridge read an extract from Play On at the club celebrations last night. Here’s what the much-loved coach read.

In the skyline with the full backs

Continuing Carolyn Spooner’s excellent review of key position players, no team was complete without a solid full back.

Odd Friday Lunch with Stacky (Dec 9)

Have lunch with Stacky at the North Fitzroy Arms on Friday December 9.

Being a good coach – Alastair Clarkson

During his Almanac off season, Yoshi (our Japanese correspondent) follows the incredible rise of Alastair Clarkson, from average midfielder to four-time premiership coach and a place among the greats of Australian Football.