The Footy Almanac

Almanac (International) Footy: Sherrins in Saigon – the inaugural 2024 Asia Cup

December 18, 2024 by robito 1 Comment

Rob Spurr is an AFL Asia Advisory Board member and he reports on the inaugural 2024 AFL Asia Cup in Saigon.

Almanac Soccer: Premier League Highlights Matchweek 16 Highlights

December 18, 2024 by OllieW Leave a Comment

There were a number of highlights in Matchweek 16 of the EPL, including the Manchester derby, and Tottenham Hotspurs’ return to form. Ollie Wade reports.

Almanac Book Reviews: ‘The Season’ by Helen Garner – Strange and splendid beauty

December 17, 2024 by Matt Gately 7 Comments

We welcome Matt Gately to the Almanac family with his first piece on the site, an informative review of Helen Garner’s latest book, ‘The Season’. [Welcome aboard Matt – Ed]

Almanac Footy Songs: Glenn Butcher – Footy Fan’s Lament (Swans Song)

December 17, 2024 by glennbutcher Leave a Comment

After Sydney lost the AFL Grand Final against Brisbane, Glenn Butcher wrote a lament expressing his disappointment of his team’s loss.

Old Timers at the Bar

December 17, 2024 by Damian Balassone 6 Comments

In every pub, you see them at the bar chatting about the good times in the old times.

Almanac Poetry: ‘Tiger’ – Tommy Mallet

December 17, 2024 by Tommy Mallet 2 Comments

In the bush, confrontations with snakes are part of life, a life and death existence a metaphor for life itself as ‘Tiger’ Tommy Mallet’s latest poem suggests.

Vale Gary ‘Chooka’ Merrington

December 16, 2024 by John Harms 8 Comments

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Gary Merrington whom many Almanac people knew so well from the All Nations Hotel where he was the quintessential host. John Harms has put together a few words.

Almanac Life: Why is it so?

December 16, 2024 by Trebor9994 2 Comments

Walking his dog Chloe along the banks of the Murray River at 5.30am this morning was a good time for Citrus Bob Utber to consider the thoughts that came to mind.

Our Man at Plough Lane

December 16, 2024 by Paul Harman 1 Comment

Paul Harman keeps us up to date with Wimbledon and League Two and adds the bonus of an interview with an ardent Doncaster Rovers fan.

Almanac Poetry: Goya’s El Pelele (The Straw Manikin)

December 16, 2024 by Kevin Densley 2 Comments

Previously unpublished, Kevin Densley’s poem gives voice to the figure of the airborne straw man in Goya’s well-known painting. [Gives new meaning to straw manning, Ed.]

Almanac Country (Footy) Music: Memories from childhood

December 16, 2024 by Mark Chivers 3 Comments

Mark Chivers recalls his childhood memories of country footy. It was music to his ears!

Almanac Music: So You’re Overseas and Suddenly….(Part 2)

December 16, 2024 by [email protected] 4 Comments

Australian music heard while travelling overseas stir deep memories in the hearts and souls of Aussie travellers reminding them of home. Ian Wilson presents a travelling soundtrack in Part 2 of his new music series.

Almanac Footy: The Blouse Cup 2024

December 15, 2024 by [email protected] 1 Comment

Andrew Dougie Fraser recently attended a summer Masters footy tournament in Canberra, organised to remember and celebrate Big Rob “Blouse” Nisbet a great clubman, husband and father, who died thirteen years ago.

Almanac Cricket Memories: Perth, Dougie and Mowing

December 14, 2024 by John Harms 12 Comments

December 13 is the fiftieth anniversary of the first day of the Perth Test in 1974-75, the much-remembered Doug Walters century-in-a-session Test. It was an important Test for John Harms. He remembers the week here.