A Tribute to Fred ‘Chocka’ Bloch

Sadly, Fred ‘Chocka’ Bloch died this morning (July 24, 2023). In respect of a life superbly lived, we reprise Rulebook’s tribute to him:

Fred ‘Chocka’ Bloch (OAM) is an Adelaide University Football Club institution. In fact, some would argue that he IS the Adelaide University Footy Club. Rulebook Ashwood pays tribute to a man who’s had a considerable influence in his life.

[This is a dead-set Almanac Classic. Well-played Rulebook – Ed]

Almanac Memoir: A new chum’s introduction to Australian Football

John Milton had never heard of Australian Football until he was asked to fix an antenna on a ship off the New South Wales coast. Here’s how his footy life has unfolded. [A wonderful memoir of life and love and the places they take you – JTH]

Almanac Flashback – Anson Cameron’s Footy Almanac 2009 launch speech (remember this?)

Remember this? Anson Cameron may have shot the Cisco Kid but he knocked everyone over with this classic speech to launch The Footy Almanac in 2009 (A Geelong year).

Almanac Classics (in a milestone week for the Almanac)

The Almanac is about to celebrate a major milestone. We’ve published many brilliant pieces over the years but, neglectfully, we have forgotten to categorise them as ‘Almanac Classics’. We need your help.

Nominate a piece which you think is a classic – and we’ll highlight it this week, and make it an Almanac Classic and feature it on the home page.

Almanac Classics: And a marathon came calling…

When David Downer’s life hit a few speed bumps, he started running. Those 20 minute runs eventually increased, leading to life as a marathon runner. This is a fantastic tale of a man with a healthy addiction. The full story of the journey of the marathon runner. Originally published in August, David’s epic is both incredible and inspirational, a story even more poignant today. [This the first in a series of ‘Paddy Suggests’. Paddy Grindlay is making his way through the Almanac archives and picking out some of his favourite pieces. Look out for some classics Thanks Paddy, Ed]

Almanac Classic Cricket Writing: Arthur Mailey’s Opposing my Hero from 10 for 66 and all that

A.A. Mailey on bowling to Victor Trumper. This is a deadset classic.

AFL Round 2 – Essendon v Hawthorn: Pipped

A classic in the Almanac style of footy being a way into writing about the things that most matter. Here Trucker Slim, in writing about Essendon v Hawthorn from a Greek Easter celebration, remembers his father. Beautiful piece.

“With a warm hand on my shoulder he taught me how to kick and mark
But the dearest truth he taught me was the depth of love that’s in a laugh”.

“this moment is the only thing you have”

” Family, community and the maintenance of a spirit built from the blood, sweat and tears of decent people and deep meaning.”

Boxing: Happy Birthday Slim

AS HIGHLIGHTED IN THE AGE

Lionel Rose would have celebrated his 66th birthday on June 21. Patrick Skene tells the story of how he was part of Lionel’s 60th birthday celebrations in Sydney. (An Almanac Classic)

Crio’s Question : Unexpected Joys?

Crio shares some of the unexpected sporting classics he chanced upon. What are your memories of a great encounter you saw by accident?

Classic Passages:The Best of the Footy Almanac

By Phil Dimitriadis Rounds 2 and 3, 2007 “A book is a fragile creature, it suffers the wear of time, it fears rodents, the elements and clumsy hands. So the librarian protects the books not only against mankind but also against nature and devotes his life to this war with the forces of oblivion.” Umberto [Read more]

Almanac Classic nominations

Nominate your all-time favourite Almanac pieces so they can be listed in Almanac Classics.