The Return of the Jumper

Paddy Grindlay announces that he has got his mojo back, and that the official period of Tiger mourning is over. Eat ’em alive, Paddy.

NTFL Round 15 Wrap-Up

Jackson Clark updates us on Round 15 in Darwin. St Marys continue to dominate, but Wanderers and Nightcliff had good wins in tight contests.

Christmas Carnivals – Tassie Style

Cade Lucas takes a nostalgic trip back to the combined athletics and cycling carnivals that have long been a feature of the festive season in Northern Tasmania.

Crio’s Q? Book reviews please, or at least some recommendations.

Crio asks for recommendations of books you have read in recent times. Or any times really.

Feline football: 60-plus years of following the Cats, from near and far

‘Once a Punter’ reminisces about 60+ years of following his Cats through good times and bad; radio static; premiership redemption and (for him) an unbeaten record at Kardinia Park. (One of the most poignant and wise memoirs we have published – Ed.)

The Mitch-Lotto jackpot

In a sea of CA self-congratulation, John Butler offers some welcome wit, grace and perspective about the state of Australian cricket. (Brilliant stuff – Ed.)

Mickey stays out of trouble

All the (writing) momentum is with John Green as he continues to follow Preston North End. Another terrific tale as he makes his way to Nottingham and taps into the Lilywhites’ mythology thanks to Mickey in the seat alongside and his brothers behind. [Top stuff – Ed]

Australia Way

Peter Baulderstone uses Australia Day to consider our national identity and values, and how that is reflected in our sporting history.

Thanks Adam

The Almanac’s long range Cup tip has got up. Adam Goodes as Australian of the Year was a ‘lock’ when JTH put him on the cover of the 2012 Almanac. Peter Baulderstone uses editorial privilege to resurrect his 30 May piece when Adam was at the centre of the racism debate. Feel free to add your own tribute.

An explanation of sports capitalism (first published on CNN site)

Comrades, Stefan Symanski’s explanation of sports capitalism, showing the difference between US and European approaches. Definitely worth a read.

Tennis: The Big Four

Bernard Whimpress sums up the Big Four in contemporary world tennis. [Rather concisely and neatly – Ed]

Interested to get your thoughts on the Mark Knight Heart cartoon

Your thoughts on this?

Sheffield Shield 2013/14 – RIP

“Swish’ Schwerdt asks a few questions about something called the Sheffield Shield. Let us know if you have heard of it.

Crio’s Racing : Australia Day Weekend

Chris Riordan is excited by the looming Autumn stars. But the cash on offer later in Sydney is denting the depth and quality of the early Melbourne features. No matter – there is a winner in every race. Crio and Crew will help you find them.

A Night At the Big Bash

Luke Reynolds took his kids to the MCG to see their first 20-20 game together. The fireworks shone brighter than the Stars.

Call a six a six

Sean Curtain is not immune to change. He can move with the times. Just last night, he downloaded his first app. But what was so wrong with calling a six a six?

Platform 15 – summer edition

Bruno Lettieri is a dynamo in getting the words of both emerging writers and established writers on to the page in his various roles as teacher, mentor, facilitator, and Bloods’ supporter. He is a good friend of The Footy Almanac. See the latest publication.

SB Tang’s essay on Gideon Haigh (from the Guardian)

Your response?

US Sports : Must Try Harder

Andrew Fraser has enjoyed(?) a fact-finding tour to sacred US sporting places which has resulted in this playfully (I think?) parochial piece of comparative sporting culture.

Kokky in the Back Yard

Another beauty from Kate Birrell. What’s better? The painting or the story? The story or the painting? You decide.