Jack Wrout was ‘one of the most influential Blues of his time’ according to the Carlton FC. Roger Spaull has taken a well researched journey into the life and times of this former champion footballer with his in-depth study to produce another outstanding footy history.
Search Results for: Roger Spaull
Almanac Footy History: Alf Hedge – The Bloods’ Braveheart
April 26, 2025 by 6 Comments
This is Roger Spaull’s complete story of Alf Hedge, South Melbourne player and RAAF pilot. It was previously published in three parts.
Almanac Footy History: Alf Hedge – The Bloods’ Braveheart (Part 3)
April 24, 2025 by 1 Comment
Roger Spaull wraps up the Alf Hedge series with Part 3 of his magnificently researched and written story.
Almanac Footy History: Alf Hedge – The Bloods’ Braveheart (Part 2)
April 23, 2025 by 1 Comment
Roger Spaull’s story of Alf Hedge continues with Part 2.
Almanac Footy History: Alf Hedge – The Bloods’ braveheart (Part 1)
April 22, 2025 by 1 Comment
Roger Spaull is one of the Almanac’s much-loved writers. He brings to life great characters, usually sporting characters, of days gone by. His ANZAC Day story this year is of South Melbourne’s Alf Hedge. Such is the breadth and depth of Roger’s research and writing, we are publishing his story in three parts, starting today (Tuesday, April 22). The next two parts will be published on Wednesday and Thursday. We are grateful to Roger for these wonderful contributions, which always generate a lot of interest.
Almanac Footy History: Gordon Lane – A cut above the rest.
November 29, 2024 by 3 Comments
Roger Spaull delves deeply into the footy archives to once again come up with another incredibly well researched biography of a former VFL/AFL great. This time it is Essendon champion Gordon ‘Whopper’ Lane, who also later became playing coach of South Melbourne.
Almanac Footy History: Bill Morris – The Good Samaritan
July 12, 2024 by 4 Comments
Bill Morris, former Richmond champion and Brownlow Medalist, was a legend of his era. Roger Spaull presents a magnificent account of the football career of Bill Morris.
Almanac (Footy) History: Jack Cooper – Courageous Fitzroy footballer and Anzac soldier
April 25, 2024 by 2 Comments
At a time of remembrance for soldiers who served and gave their lives in The Great War, Roger Spaull pays tribute to Jack Cooper, champion footballer of the Fitzroy Football Club. In this moving and in-depth account of a footballer and soldier, Roger paints a picture of a man who served his club, and his country, and made the supreme sacrifice on the Menin Road, Passchendaele .
Almanac Footy (History) – Jack Mueller: The Power of One
December 4, 2023 by 4 Comments
In this comprehensive essay, historian Roger Spaull revisits the career of Jack Mueller, a Team of the Century player for the Melbourne Football Club. (A meticulously researched and compiled biography of a Demon icon – Ed.)
Almanac Cricket: The Story of Igino De Bolfo – A Champion Bowler for Boneo Cricket Club 1933-37
October 15, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Roger Spaull examines the cricketing feats of Italian immigrant Iginio De Bolfo at the Boneo Cricket Club 1933-37.
Almanac Footy History: Italo Cesari – Dromana’s Illustrious Footballer & Soldier
August 23, 2023 by 1 Comment
Historian Roger Spaull uncovers the fascinating life of Italo Cesari. The former Dromana FC footballer took part in the famous Pioneer Exhibition Match – the first game of Australia Rules to be played on foreign soil – in 1916, which provided the blueprint for modern Anzac Day football.
Almanac Footy History: Cliff Rankin – the intrepid leader of Geelong
April 21, 2023 by 5 Comments
Each year Roger Spaull spends weeks researching and writing the story of a once famous, if sometimes forgotten, footballer who fought for Australia in one of the theatres of war. The piece is traditionally published in the days leading into the ANZAC Day commemoration and is the centrepiece of our coverage. This is the story of Cliff Rankin and the Rankin family and the Geelong Football Club. It is like a short book! Those who love Australian history and footy history will appreciate the depth of research and the fine story-telling. We are grateful to Roger for his sterling efforts in brinign some of these past champions to light.
Almanac Footy History – Jim Dorgan: The Dashing Defender of the Lake Oval
December 6, 2022 by 5 Comments
Roger Spaull presents an in-depth and fascinating profile of former South Melbourne FC great, Jim Dorgan.
Almanac Footy History: A tribute to Gordon Proudfoot of the Fitzroy FC
July 27, 2022 by 1 Comment
Historian Roger Spaull pays tribute to former Fitzroy FC player Gordon Proudfoot who passed away recently.
Almanac Footy History: Arthur Olliver – ‘The Champion’s Hero’
June 8, 2022 by 1 Comment
Historian Roger Spaull dedicates this article to the Gordon family and in memory of Nick. It documents one of Footscray’s most legendary and revered player and coach throughout the club’s history and the accomplishments Arthur Olliver achieved after his Footscray tenure. Find out more inside with rare photos shared from the vault!
Almanac Footy History: Len Thomas, South Melbourne: ‘A chip off the old block’
April 27, 2022 by 5 Comments
Roger Spaull documents in depth the story of father and son South Melbourne greats Len and Bill Thomas and their connection to service in the armed forces for this ANZAC Day.
Almanac Footy: Bill Mohr – The Wizard from Wagga Wagga
November 10, 2021 by Leave a Comment
St Kilda champion Bill Mohr’s status as one of footy’s all time greats is beyond doubt. In an in-depth analysis of Mohr’s career, Roger Spaull presents a wonderful account of this great footy legend.
Almanac Footy History: The Lexton Football League and Lexton Football Club – Part 4
July 14, 2021 by 3 Comments
In Part 4, the final part of Roger Spaull’s account of the history of the Lexton Football League and the Lexton Football Club, he highlights some of the great footballers who played at the various clubs in the Lexton Football League.
Almanac Footy History: The Lexton Football League and Lexton Football Club – Part 3
July 13, 2021 by 1 Comment
Part 3 of Roger Spaull’s history of the Lexton Football League and Lexton Football Club highlights many of the great players that have represented the club throughout the club’s history.
Almanac Footy History: The Lexton Football League and Lexton Football Club – Part 2
July 11, 2021 by 1 Comment
Roger Spaull continues his history of the Lexton Football League and Lexton Football Club as he examines the formation of both. Roger also looks at the ‘golden era’ of the club, and presents his observations of one of the legends of bush footy, Howard ‘Plugger’ Lockett.
Recent Comments