Hamish Neal previews Round 9 of the A-League in a tough week for the round ball code
Round 23 – Gold Coast v Port Adelaide: Schulzy Army (with Mike Hugo’s sketch)
December 1, 2016 by 12 Comments
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
December 1, 2016 by 2 Comments
Australian Cyclist Jack Bobridge has retired, Dave Parker pays tribute to an extraordinary career.
The contents page from The Doggies Almanac
December 1, 2016 by 6 Comments
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?
December 1, 2016 by 19 Comments
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
December 1, 2016 by 3 Comments
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
December 1, 2016 by 20 Comments
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.
Odd Friday Lunch with Stacky (Dec 9)
November 30, 2016 by 3 Comments
Have lunch with Stacky at the North Fitzroy Arms on Friday December 9.
Being a good coach – Alastair Clarkson
November 30, 2016 by 11 Comments
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.
Almanac Golf: Golf Capital – Danish delight in Melbourne, Woods returns
November 30, 2016 by 3 Comments
It wouldn’t be Wednesday without Hamish Neal’s comprehensive golf round up, with last week’s World Cup review a feature.
Almanac Books: Footy Grounds to Grandstands: Play, Community and the Australian Football League (by Sam Duncan)
November 29, 2016 by 1 Comment
Sam Duncan has turned his PhD thesis into a book. You are invited to the launch on Dec 11. [Congratulations Sam – JTH]
Almanac Classics: And a marathon came calling…
November 29, 2016 by 34 Comments
When David Downer’s life hit a few speed bumps, he started running. Those 20 minute runs eventually increased, leading to life as a marathon runner. This is a fantastic tale of a man with a healthy addiction. The full story of the journey of the marathon runner. Originally published in August, David’s epic is both incredible and inspirational, a story even more poignant today. [This the first in a series of ‘Paddy Suggests’. Paddy Grindlay is making his way through the Almanac archives and picking out some of his favourite pieces. Look out for some classics Thanks Paddy, Ed]
Almanac Cricket Poetry: The Ballad of Bluey Jenner
November 29, 2016 by 12 Comments
e.regnans, in his typically beautiful way, tells the story of Bluey Jenner, a bush cricketer with the world at his feet.
Almanac Footy Poetry: “Manacunna,” by Ian Bland
November 29, 2016 by 3 Comments
We’re lucky today at the Almanac to share the poetry of Ian Bland. Check out this rollicking tale of Manacunna.
“The town of Manacunna, in the far west of the state
Had, outside of football, little cause to celebrate…”
Home bias in AFL umpiring: the 10 year tables
November 29, 2016 by 5 Comments
Dave Warner of the suburbs has completed his opus: the last 10 years of AFL free kick counts examined and analysed. Do umpires always favour the home team? How do Victorian teams fare when playing at home against non-Victorian teams? Trends, biases… all is revealed.
Opportunity for a young commentator
Keiran Deck presents an opening for an aspiring commentator to try their hand at the Australian Volleyball League finals this Saturday. A great opportunity.