The 2015 ‘Mopsy’ Fraser Cup – Round Fourteen

Earl O’Neil in his review looks at the events of the past week. He concludes that perhaps due to nutritionists having to know everything about a player is becoming too much for today’s footballer. He also writes how no words can describe the tragedy of Phil Walsh’s death and his condolences go out to the Walsh family.

Haiku Bob – Round 14 – just another day

Haiku Bob’s meditation on Phil Walsh and Collingwood’s mighty effort against Hawthorn. Two events not mutually exclusive.

On Phil Walsh and being a man

Marty Gleason ponders masculinity in the wake of the Phil Walsh tragedy. ‘Perhaps it’s simply a case of muscle and toughness being non-negotiables…’

Almanac Rugby League – State of Origin: Happy Birthday Mal and Game 3 chat

Happy Birthday Mal!

Leave your greeting. For Mal. For Queensland. For NSW?

Who wins, and why?

Round 14 – Fearless: Tragedy hits home for everyone in the footy world

Fearless shares his thoughts on the death of Phil Walsh as part of his usual wrap of the weekend’s footy action.

Almanac Rugby League – Aaron Woods: The mummy’s boy with a warrior’s spirit (first published in the The Guardian Australia)

Friend of the Almanac Patrick Skene’s outstanding profile of Wests Tigers, NSW and Kangaroos star prop Aaron Woods in The Guardian. Even if you’re not a fan of League, this is a fantastic sporting read and well worth your time.

Ashes 2015 – Cardiff Says Australia

‘Citrus’ Bob Utber tours Cardiff ahead of tonight’s first Ashes Test between England and Australia at Sophia Gardens, and learns that when it comes to the Welsh, the international relations maxim; ‘my enemy’s enemy is my friend’ rings true.

Round 14 – Melbourne v West Coast Eagles: Survival of the fittest in Darwin

Like most people, the horrific events of Friday morning in Somerton Park put the weekend’s footy in the shade for Phil Smythe. The action in the top end reflected the respectful listlessness of round 14.

Northern FL: Northcote Park youngsters get them over the line against West Preston

In a crucial game for the Northcote Park against West Preston, Stephen Marson writes how the Cougar youngsters were able to lead the Cougars to the win.

The Ashes 2015 – Cardiff Test: call for writers

First Test of the 2015 Ashes series between England and Australia is set to begin tomorrow night (Wednesday) and we’d love to publish your thoughts on the Test. Let’s get this game well covered. Please nominate a day.

Round 14 – Gold Coast v North Melbourne: Inspiration Not Found

Neutral supporter Mick Jeffery is in disbelief as he watched the Roos lose to the Suns, in what he described as a pathetic performance.

The Ashes 2015 – First Test: N’yuck! N’yuck! N’yuck!

JTH is slapping himself about the face on this one. Here he argues that Watto must play, and that the boy from Ipswich is, by nature, a bowler.

Crio’s Q? – selection solution

Crio reckons he’s got the answer for the unseemly squabbles within Tennis Australia.

Round 14 – Essendon v St. Kilda: What Were You Thinking James?

Bombers supporter Sam is in disbelief in what he saw on Sunday afternoon as the Bombers got dismantled by the Saints. Especially with James Hird keeping Cale Hooker in the forward line for as long as he did.

Round 14 – Collingwood v Hawthorn: Remembering Walshy

Another one that got away… The Pies threw everything at Hawthorn, writes Nicholas D’Urbano, but were wasteful in front of goal. But the shocking loss of Phil Walsh puts things in perspective.

Round 14 – Gold Coast v North Melbourne: Unreasonable demands

Matt Watson taps into every fans’ visceral hatred of losing. And this one’s made all the more hurtful through the realisation that it’s time for Arden St to go back to re-building mode.

Almanac Tennis – Wimbledon 2015: Can someone explain that Round 4 match to me?

Nick Krygios: dicuss.

Round 14 – Gold Coast v North Melbourne: Bitter pills

Everyone at North Melbourne needs to swallow some bitter pills of free advice. And it all starts with acknowledging that North just are not that good. Darren “Smokie” Dawson lays out the facts.

Round 14 – Essendon v St. Kilda: Saints achieve perfection against defused Bombers

Saints supporter Braham Dabscheck praises the Saints for a perfect game, while remembering Phil Walsh and the tributes that the players and coaches have given to him after every game this Round.

Phil Walsh: for the good of the game

Dave Brown takes time to reflect on the tragic death of Phil Walsh. As he shows, it is a time for all families to reflect and re-consider.