A Footy Almanac Flashback to 2013 by Trucker Slim when Hawthorn and Geelong clashed in a Preliminary Final and the Kennett curse was lifted. A curse is only as real as you want it to be. The Kennett curse became a psychological narrative of a great rivalry and sadly, its author was the Hawks. In honour of its death, Rick Kane went looking for great sayings to understand the depth and weight and shadow of a curse.
Almanac Flashback: Preliminary Final, 2013 – Hawthorn v Geelong: A curse and a blessing
September 19, 2025 by 18 Comments
Almanac Footy (Life Sentences): Preliminaries be Damned!
September 24, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Most of the time we manage to get on with life after a significant letdown. But sometimes it’s a life sentence!
Round 1 – Hawthorn v Essendon: Top of the pops
March 23, 2023 by 3 Comments
After the hurt comes the happiness – at least for now. Ged and Jesse took in the Bombers’ Round 1 win over arch rivals, the Hawks.
Balcony Banter: A tale of two Grand Finals
September 23, 2022 by Leave a Comment
In a recent post on the MCC’s Members blog ‘Balcony Banter’, Grant Fraser relives two epic Grand Finals involving his beloved Hawks.
Stalking David Parkin Part 2
September 15, 2022 by 6 Comments
Ian Wilson continues the tale of his interactions with legendary AFL player and coach David Parkin.
Stalking David Parkin Part 1
September 14, 2022 by 8 Comments
AFL Hall of Fame member David Parkin celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this week. In this classic semi-insiders yarn, Ian Wilson recalls his handful of interactions with ‘Parko’ over the years.
Balcony Banter: Superstition and the Art of Attending the Football
July 28, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Grant Fraser is an avid Hawthorn supporter who cannot believe his good luck at having experienced two sets of “glory years” in the one lifetime. He wrote about it all recently for the MCC members blog ‘Balcony Banter’.
Almanac Footy (Appreciation): This is not a Liam Shiels song
July 8, 2022 by 8 Comments
Trucker Slim is in reflective mood as he thinks back over the impact of the past few years on his appreciation of the footy, then segues to his son’s team, the Preston Bullants, and concludes with an appraisal of Hawthorn’s Liam Shiels.
Round 8 – Pards’ Preview: Essendon v Hawthorn
May 4, 2022 by 3 Comments
Michael “Pards” Pardy gives his insights on the upcoming fixture between Essendon and Hawthorn and the history between the two.
Balcony Banter: Pizza and possibility
April 22, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Roger Lowrey’s day out to the MCG to watch Geelong take on Hawthorn is recounted in his article on the MCC Members blog ‘Balcony Banter’.
Round 10 – Carlton v Hawthorn: There is merit in struggle
May 26, 2021 by Leave a Comment
If it takes an ugly struggle to get a win over Hawthorn, then John Butler is all for ugly struggles. And he adds a few thoughts on tribunal matters .
Balcony Banter: ‘Crimmo’ – the ‘real’ hard way
May 13, 2021 by 1 Comment
In a recent post on the MCC blog ‘Balcony Banter’ Grant Fraser explained the centrality of Peter Crimmins to all that is great about the Hawks.
Round 7 – St Kilda v Hawthorn: Saints respond to May Day call on May Day
May 2, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Braham Dabscheck hopes his Saints have turned the corner after their demolition of Hawthorn on May Day.
Balcony Banter Bonanza: No matching the MCG!
April 29, 2021 by Leave a Comment
The sheer pleasure of being back at the footy at the MCG has dominated recent posts on the MCC Members blog ‘Balcony Banter’. Teenage GWS fan Nicholas Quinlan and Demons historian Lynda Carroll add their thoughts after their recent experiences.
The Unsung – Round 6: Jacob Koschitzke and Darcy Cameron
April 27, 2021 by 1 Comment
Deakin Uni student Chris Mangos’ sixth weekly column ‘The Unsung’, featuring young, up-and-coming footy stars Jacob Koschitzke and Darcy Cameron.
Balcony Banter Round 2: Hawthorn v Richmond
April 1, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Tiger fans Dave Campbell and Joe De Petro have both written about the Richmond Round 2 win over Hawthorn in this week’s Balcony Banter offerings.
Balcony Banter – Richard Murray: More than a game
October 8, 2020 by Leave a Comment
In a recent article on ‘Balcony Banter’, Richard Murray pays tribute to his late grandfather, Lionel Murray, and reinforces the Almanac contention that there is meaning in footy.
The Footy Almanac 2007 Week 2 Finals – North Melbourne v Hawthorn: Watching from a rugby state
September 10, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Rob Clarkson entered North Melbourne’s 2007 Semi Final against Hawthorn nervous of a straight-sets exit, but was soon optimistic about what the year could hold for his Roos.
The Footy Almanac 2007 Week 1 Finals – Hawthorn v Adelaide: A game worthy of a full house
September 2, 2020 by 2 Comments
Tony Roberts got plenty of room to watch the 2007 Elimination Final between the Hawks and Crows. He was lucky to witness one of the great finals moments.
The Footy Almanac 2007 Round 22 – Sydney v Hawthorn: Unexpectedly brilliant and ready for finals
August 27, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Rod Gillett turned up to the SCG in 2007 worried about the Swans, but left enthused about what lay ahead in the finals.
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