Round 19 – Collingwood v West Coast: Messy (Floreat Pica Society)

Frank Taylor writes for the Floreat Pica Society, of a messy game, accompanying Baz and his children (all Eagles), on their first trip to the MCG.

First Test, Sri Lanka v Australia: Mendis Masterclass

All credit to the re-building Sri Lanka. But Australia showed a lack of patience and application.

Round 19 – Adelaide v Essendon: We all know the result before the game

Rulebook wraps up the Crows’ big win over the Bombers, starting with a raffle book, of course

Round 19 – North Melbourne v St Kilda: What timing and special occasions mean to St Kilda and me

Yoshi showed his skills as at multi-tasking, working hard and supporting the Saints as they took on the Roos.

Round 19 – Fremantle v Sydney: We sure needed that percentage boost!

As it turns out, Jan was nervous for no reason as the Swans rolled to an easy win.

Round 19 – Greater Western Sydney v Richmond: A Giant dilemma

Well, after the Great Richmond Disappointment of 2015, and all the excuse-making, why wouldn’t you sign up with the Giants! That’s exactly what Gill Dite did. [This is interesting – and is sure to generate comment! Ed]

Round 19 – Melbourne v Gold Coast: The Curse of Barry Manilow

Dan ‘Handbag’ Hansen became increasingly involved in the Dee-Suns game the further it went on and, as Tom Lynch went back to take his shot to win the game, he was reminded of the best ways a man on the mark can put the kicker off. [Classic! JTH]

Almanac Review: Our Sporting Life (Griffith Review’s recent sports edition)

Tom Stephen has had a look at Our Sporting Life, Griffith Review (53).

The Griffith Review – Our Sporting Life out today (Aug 1)

This is sure to interest those who enjoy some meaty sports writing. It’s out today (Aug 1).

Round 19 – Cam Hooke’s Collingwood Life: I enjoyed that.

Cam Hooke is on top of the world this morning after his Pies responded with a fine performance against the Weagles. [Solid analysis even with the black and white goggles on – JTH]

Junior Footy: The Final Stretch II – Going Out On A High

Nick continues his story, this time overcoming a nasty case of nerves to help his team into the finals.

VAFA Section B – Fitzroy v Monash Blues: Another Nail-biter

Phil Hill provides a comprehensive account of a nail-biter against Monash Blues which puts the Roys third on the ladder and Phil in a very good mood. Such a good mood that he put on Mozart’s Requiem full blast as he made his way home along Springvale Road.

Round 19 – Geelong v Western Bulldogs: Two legends = One perfect night

John Sullivan enjoys the Boris and Jimmy celebrations which consume Kardinia Park on a memorable night for the Geelong Football Club.

Round 19 – North Melbourne v St Kilda: Dreaming

Though a tantalizing reward for her much-improved Saints, finals appear an unreachable goal for this season after the frustrating loss to the Kangaroos, writes Yvette Wroby,

Round 19 – North Melbourne v St. Kilda: Saints leave kicking boots at home as Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey breaks games played record

44,287 people were at Etihad to witness history … Lindsay Thomas handballing off a certain goal.

Almanac Comment: AFL mythology

Sue Currie looks at some of the masculinist mythology which permeates football. [Interesting observations – Ed]

Round 19 – GWS v Richmond: The final insult

Paddy Grindlay begins reading “Finding Jack Dyer” but he’s nowhere to be found in Canberra

Round 19 – Geelong v Western Bulldogs: Time Stands Still in Cat country

Boundary Rider celebrates a Geelong night, glorying in the careers of two favourite sons, and happy to be part of a community happy in its own skin and in its own time warp.

Almanac Comedy: Work, Work, Work

Work, Work, Work is a new stage comedy directed by the Almanac’s Matty Quatermaine and is currently running at The Tuxedo Cat in Melbourne. Stone Cold Steve Baker dragged himself off the couch to check it out

Round 19 – Collingwood v West Coast: Believe, Pies, Believe.

Cam Hooke previews Collingwood v West Coast, suggesting it is the first game of the 2017 campaign. [Cam Hooke is a fair dinkum supporter – JTH]