Citrus Bob’s Football Dictionary

New styles of football on display, new hope brimming in hearts. Citrus Bob Utber recognises the time for some new vocabulary, stemming from AFL finals week 1.

Finals Week 1 – Fremantle v Sydney: We’re Still Dancing

What do the Sydney Swans, Ren McCormack, Beaumont and Fremantle have in common? Joe Moore explains.

Finals Week 1 – Western Bulldogs v Adelaide: Would Marsh and Lillee Have Backed That?

Malcolm “Rulebook” Ashwood is back with his analysis of his beloved Crows win over the Western Bulldogs in the thrilling final at the ‘G. Who robbed the train Eddie? (one of Rulebook’s very best lines)

Finals Week 1 – Richmond v North Melbourne: The Army Reflects

Silver Bullet can string together a sentence or two on the basis of this sharp and entertaining Almanac debut. As sad as it all is for Tiges around the world. But Silver pretty much tells it like it is.

Finals Week 1 – Western Bulldogs v Adelaide Crows: Disco-Tex and His Sex-O-Lettes

Leadership isn’t necessarily about the big mark, the inspirational goal or a swag of possessions. Taylor Walker’s ‘unfussy beauty’ and selflessness is to be equally admired says Mickey Randall.

Finals Week 1 – Western Bulldogs v Adelaide: Mocking Birds

With his Bulldogs out of the 2015 premiership hunt at the hands of an old nemesis, Neil Anderson finds solace in the wisdom of Atticus Finch after the final siren. “They can shoot all the blue-jays they want but remember it is a sin to kill a mocking-bird…”

This is Australia: Country Grand Final

This is Australia alright. Check out this superb photo. James Lang’s yarn is arriving on the afternoon train at which point we will acknowledge the photographer. Maybe it was you James? We’re told a few SA Greatest Wool Team members were in attendance too.

Kids 6: Quitting

Matt Zurbo continues his series junior coaching. Here’s his suggestion on what to do if a kid feels like quitting.

Finals Week 1 – Western Bulldogs v Adelaide Crows: Respect is earned, not just given

If you ever need to illustrate the difference between home and away footy versus finals footy, sit someone down with a tape of this game. Outside of a Grand Final, It doesn’t get much faster and hotter than this one did on Saturday night. The Bulldogs are left to wonder what might have been after not being able to convert, while the Crows continue to achieve well beyond what few considered possible after that Friday morning in July.

Finals Week 1 – Western Bulldogs v Adelaide: Heartbreak in September (Again)

Nick the Stats Guy reports on a shattering finals loss for Dogs fans.

WAFL – Semi Finals weekend: Subi and the Royals too good

The Lions book themselves a spot in the 2015 WAFL Grand Final with a convincing win over the Falcons, while the royals end Peel Thunder’s first ever finals campaign.

Almanac Rugby League – Homo Morphsuitius

For those who recall the grand old days of rugby league in Brisbane – when Brothers and Fortitude Valleys ran around – this piece from that noted biological historian Matt O’Hanlon will resonate. Report of the BRL second division final Grand Final. [Very funny MOH – were they serving double rums free with the cans of XXXX Gold?]

Finals Week 1 – Richmond v North Melbourne preview: Do Tigers eat kangaroo?

Matt Watson uses a past experience and knowledge about Tigers and Kangaroos (the animals) to explain what may happen between the two clubs with said animals as mascots.

Finals Week 1 – West Coast v Hawthorn: Liberte’, Fraternite’, Eagle-ite’

Our Eagles correspondent Peter Baulderstone is “viewing” this finals series from afar. He is enjoying the sweet life of a famous victory and French hospitality.

Almanac Rugby League – Finals Week 1: The Dogs of war find a golden point miracle

In the world of the NRL the Bulldogs actually get up in an elimination final thriller. Did Richard Branson get on the wrong Dogs?

An Affair To Remember

Phil Dimitriadis analyses the Stevens-Carey issue by looking at the way it was represented in the media and the way it was considered and understood by the public. [This piece was first published in 2012 but has become popular over the last few days in the light of the forthcoming Open Mike with Anthony Stevens.]

Almanac Rugby League – NRL 2015 Finals, Week 1: Cameron Smith leads from the front, so Melbourne win

The Storm secure the only Preliminary Final to be held in Melbourne in a couple of weeks as Wayne Ball ponders why the Roosters can’t get bums on seats

Finals Week 1 – Fremantle v Sydney: A half-time submission

There were things to be done at half-time this afternoon. Disliking and admiring aspects of Fremantle ended up top of the list for Danny Russell.

Dustin Fletcher: So Long, Farewell and Thanks for all the Fish.

There’s a lot of years for all of us since 1993. Steve Baker contemplates the career of Fletch and looks at what he has done in the years that have transpired. [Fine memoir – JTH]

The Statistical Premiership Window 2015: The Eagles to Deny Hawthorn A Three-Peat

Damien Little has done all the work, so that you don’t have to. Back by popular demand, here is DJ Litsa’s Statistical Premiership Window for 2015. Hawthorn fans might want to look away…