RITV Summer Series: Australian Athletics on the rise – Gout Gout… and en more!

RITV returns from a holiday break to resume his Summer Series. His focus this week is on the array of emerging young talent in Australian athletics.

Almanac Horse Racing: Way Out West

In his first contribution to the Footy Almanac website, Dandy Andy provides his thoughts and tips for Group 1 races (which return this weekend) as well as for harness racing and the dogs everywhere from Caulfield to Mount Gambier. [Welcome Dandy – Ed]

Almanac Rugby League: The NRL season preliminaries kick off

The NRL 2025 season preliminaries kick off this weekend. Here’s a brief guide to what’s happening in the coming weeks.

Almanac Footy: A Footy Fan’s Lament – Postscript

Two months ago Glenn Butcher shared a song written in the aftermath of the Swans’ Grand Final loss. Here’s a postscript.

Almanac (Creative) Footy: In the home straight with the half-back flankers

Carolyn Spooner is back with the latest in her series on characteristics of positional players. This time her focus is on the half-back flankers.

Almanac Soccer: English Premier League Matchweek 24 Highlights

Olliw Wade highlights three of the main EPL Matchweek 24 matches, a week full of drama and upsets.

Almanac life: A love letter to Balmain

Mickey Randall and his wife Claire are visiting Sydney, and in particular, they are thoroughly enjoying their time in Balmain as he explains.

Almanac Poetry: ‘Grip and Release’ – Tommy Mallet

The moon, a late night, and the day ahead feature in Tommy Mallet’s poem ‘Grip and Release’. [Language Warning – Ed]

Almanac Teams: Debuts in South Africa

Just a short flight over the Indian Ocean for these Test debutants in Rodney Boyd’s teams of the week.

Almanac Cricket Memoir: Les Favell’s Creams – remembering the Fourth Test of the 1960-61 West Indies Tour of Australia

Nank remembers the summer when cricket got hold of him: the celebrated West Indies Tour of Australia in 1960-61. He was at the Adelaide Test with his Dad Max and mates. [Cracking memoir – Ed]

Almanac Golf – Golf Tips: 3

Pards is back with more golfing tips of the trade.

Almanac Poetry: Another Song for Severed Head

Kevin Densley describes this week’s (previously unpublished) poem as one ‘about the nature of creative ideas and creativity more generally’.

Almanac Footy: Melbourne 2025 Season Preview

Mickey McTigger takes a look at Melbourne’s prospects for season 2025.

Almanac (English) Soccer: The Land of Notts

Paul Harman takes us inside League Two club Notts County with input from two very different but totally dedicated fans. (Wonderful insider perspectives. – Ed.)

Almanac Music: Favourite Cover Versions Part 2

Ian Wilson presents the second installment of his favourite cover versions, including a surprise or two!

Almanac Cricket: First Test, Sri Lanka v Australia – Galle or Nothing?

Smokie Dawson reports from Galle after Australia demolished Sri Lanka in the First Test. But what of the future of Test cricket in Sri Lanka?

Almanac Life: Local Hero, Local Champion, Or Both – C. W. (Bill) Darke

Allan Barden pays a fitting tribute to C.W. (Bill) Darke recognising the contribution local heroes such as Bill make to their communities and sports.

Almanac Book Reviews: ‘Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew’ by Shehan Karunatilaka

Peter Crossing reviews ‘Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew’ by Booker Prize winning author, Shehan Karunatilaka, a fictional tale relating to the search for a ‘mysterious Sri Lankan scricketer who may or may not have been the best spin bowler ever’..

Almanac Film Reviews: Re-Living An Olympic Nightmare

The film ‘September 5’ recalls the terriorist attack on the Israeli team at the 1972 Olympics. Ian Wilson reviews the film.

Almanac Music: Vale – Marianne Faithfull

Tears are flowing with the announcement of the passing of Marianne Faithfull aged 78.