Round 21 – Richmond v Geelong: Don’t Be The Loudmouth

Ethan Munro captures the excitement and euphoria of Geelong’s stirring victory.

1936, the Year of the Olympics and the Alternative Olympics: a Cocktail of Sport and Politics

Demonymic discusses the controversy surrounding the 1936 Olympics.

Round 22 – Collingwood v Gold Coast: The Ground’s Half Empty

Luke Reynolds gets Reckless with his Collingwood at Dockland experience, with apologies to Australian Crawl.

Round 23: Adelaide v West Coast – Watch Out For The West

Aiden Hammond was less than impressed with Crows effort against the Eagles. The four points and a top 2 spot were there for the taking. Unfortunately the Crows didn’t turn up and the Eagles gave their September hopes a huge lift.

Round 23 – Adelaide v West Coast: Optimistically and Misty-Optically

Mickey Randall can take a tiny amount of comfort from the coincidence that Jonathan Giles is a Kapunda boy, although Mickey is not from a parsonage himself. It was a flogging at the Adelaide Oval as the sombre tone suggested as the congregation walked away. A fine night for Eagles fans and Dennis Cometti appreciaters.

Everyday Obituary: An ode to my old man, the Olympics and Usain Bolt.

Matt O’Hanlon’s father was a wonderful Queenslander (as is Matt). In this magnificent tribute to his Dad, Matt can’t help but demonstrate those elements of a sporting life which once drove the sporting culture and broader Australian culture. Those in powerful positions – in government, in sports administration, in media, and even in educational bureaucracy (not at the coal-face so much) – should read this piece. They will see what sport means to people, the level of their interest and engagement, and the sheer wisdom in Michael Joseph O’Hanlon’s approach. Vale Pop O’Hallaron. [An all-time classic – JTH]

Almanac Book Review – Brett Whiteley: Art, Life and the Other Thing

Chris Michaels reviews Brett Whiteley: Art, Life and the Other Thing by Ashleigh Wilson.

Boomer? Anyone?

Stainless is wondering why there has been no Boomer Harvey tribute here at the Almanac. Nothing from North fans? How do they feel about it?

Round 22 – North Melbourne v Sydney: The Father Son Rule

There is nothing better than introducing the next generation to your passion; Joe Moore and cygnet Ollie resplendent in Swans merchandise cheer cheered against North at Blundstone Arena and sang heartily at the end.

Almanac Cricket: The reverse sweep and other phenomena

With the Aussie cricketers battling on the sub-continent, Peter Crossing makes a few salient points in relation to Australian Cricket’s health.

Almanac Rugby League – JT Enters the Starship: Nothing’s Gunna Stop the Cowboys Now!

After deafting the Bulldogs at Belmore, Archie, with artistic licence from Starship, feels nothing is going to stop JT and his Cowboys.

Almanac VFL Women’s: Darebin Coach – Jane Lange

As her team prepares for a tilt at their fourth straight flag in VFL, Darebin Falcons’ playing coach Jane Lange talks about what it takes to stay at the top for so long.

Round 22 – North Melbourne v Sydney: Lunch and Footy in Tassie

The Almanac Lunch in Tassie was a cracker. John Harms tells the story of the footy from Blundstone Arena and the lazy Friday afternoon at the Ball and Chain Grill. He looks forward to the tradition continuing.

The Most Important Kick in Football: The Kick Inside 50

Almanac welcomes David Fordyce, a Canberra based Geelong supporter. David provides interesting analysis on Geelong’s poor entries inside 50. [Welcome – Ed]

Almanac Book Review: My Lifelong Love Affair with the Swans by Jan Courtin

Keiran Croker reviews Jan Courtin’s recently published book, My Lifelong Love Affair with the Swans.

Round 23 – Sal’s Preview: The Goodbye Round

Sal provides value in his tips for Round 23, The Goodbye Round, time to say goodbye to 2016 for Carlton and a few others.

Haiku Bob – Round 22 – the far corners (A Dane Swan Tribute)

Instead of his weekly match report, and in the wake of Dane Swan’s sad and slightly premature retirement, Haiku Bob has waded through his haiku match reports over the years and come across a highlights reel of his own. Thanks for the memories, Swanny.

1986 – A Year With The Blacks Round 18: Focus Puller

Gordon Agars spend a wet week indoors, exploring the latest home entertainment options, before venturing out for the last minor round of the AUFC 1986 season.

50 Years On – The Final Round 1966

Saints scramble home in the last game of the season to cement their place the 1966 finals.

Almanac Racing – Memsie Stakes Day

Last week’s anticipation was misplaced. The Valley was dreary. Some of the racing was good but it was a long way from spring. Thus I’m wary to hype Saturday’s first Group One in Melbourne this season, knowing that there are many better days ahead. Yet it’s only 5 weeks until the Epsom and the Guineas [Read more]