Almanac Life: The Western Ring Road

The Western Ring Road should come with its own set of health warnings, as Smokie explains. [It’s unknown if Keith Miller ever spent enough time on the road to compare notes on pressure – Ed.]

Almanac Memoir: 1955 – through the eyes of a child. Sporting Heroes.

It’s 1955 and six year old Allan Grant is living in Balaclava. This brilliant memoir covers all of his early sporting loves – and is a look into the life of Melbourne at this time. The saints, visits from Arthur Morris, Dad’s brickie mate who plays for North Melbourne, connections to racing and the Stawell Gift, tennis, the Olympics on the horizon and a Grandma who only went out with Brownlow medalists. Fine memoir from Allan.

Almanac (Cricket) Life: Jack Mundey and the Right Line

Paul Nankivell first met Jack Mundey in 1971, and then bumped into him from time to time, including one pre-Test meeting at the Olympic Hotel near the SCG when Keith Miller may have been involved. [Great to have you on the site Nank – JTH]

Saints 1940 – A Premier combination: the Patriotic Premiership

In 1940 St Kilda Football Club won the Lightning Premiership. Allan Grant tells of the players in that squad and wonders what might have been.

Almanac Cricket: A Pair of Aces – The Caribbean Bromance of 1973

Michael Sexton recalls the 1973 Test series between the West Indies and Australia. The role Jeff Hammond and Max Walker played in achieving a series win was vital as Michael explains.

The Ashes 2019 – Second Test: an Australian Lord’s XI

Dave Brown searches the records to compile an Australian Test team made up of our best performers at Lord’s. You’ll find one or two surprises here.

Boxing Day Test – Melbourne Concrete and Gravel

Peter Baulderstone celebrates the return to a traditional Australian wicket at Melbourne Concete and Gravel. Premier Daniel Andrews has guaranteed that Victoria will hold the traditional Boxing Day wake for the rest of the millennium. Australia yawns.

A Team of Charmers

Come on Knackers! Phil asks, which footballers turned you on and why?

Round 6 – Collingwood v Richmond: D.Wilson & B.Grundy 

The Tigers run out 43-point winners on one of the rare occasions when everyone leaves the ground somewhat satisfied. The Pies showed enough to challenge the premiers, which bodes well for the rest of their year. And the premiers rose to the challenge, as very good sides do reports Jack.

Almanac Teams: The ultimate Adelaide Oval Ashes performers

Dave Brown lines up the best Ashes performances at Adelaide Oval. Who knew England had so many left arm finger spinners? And what is the correct number of Arthurs for an Australian team?

Almanac Teams: The ultimate Gabba Ashes performers

Not so much a funny team as two extraordinary ones as Dave Brown picks two XIs based upon outstanding one-off performances at the Gabba

Almanac Golf: Arnold Palmer tribute

The sporting world has lost two charismatic figures this year in Ali and now Palmer. Neil Drysdale pays tribute to Golfing immortal Arnold Palmer.

Scotland v Australia in 1948: Bradman’s Last Match in Britain

Neil Drysdale has tracked down two spectators who attended Bradman’s final match in Britain, the Scotland v Australia game at Aberdeen in 1948 (Superb piece Neil -ed)

Australian Cricket’s Modern ‘Lord of the Rings’ Saga

Who will be our next genuine Test all-rounder, asks Thesaurus Rex.

Kane Richardson: does he have Nugget’s polish?

Peter Argent thinks there is a hint of Keith “Nugget” Miller’s polish about promising young South Australian all-rounder Kane Richardson. Peter’s stunning photo captures the elegance and balance of a classic drive. And he’s wearing whites!

Kick it Long: John Molony’s foreword to the Keith Miller’s History of the Eastake and Manuka Football Clubs 1926-2012

John Molony’s fine foreword shows why Kick it Long is well worth the read.

Thommo and The Don

Michael Sexton goes straight to the source to see whether the story of Jeff Thomson bowling to a 69-year-old Don Bradman in the nets is true.

Crio’s Question: grand-genes

Nick Compton opened the batting for England in the First Test at Bangalore. He is the grandson of the great Denis Compton, the original Brylcreem boy, a champion cricketer and Arsenal footballer, kindred soul of Keith Miller and trailblazing professional sportsman. Can talent skip a generation?