Dark Blue, Maroon & White

Old Dog shares a video clip he’s seen of the boys from old Fitzroy, playing at Glenferrie in 1958. It has many characters of the club, colour and movement of the time, fading “What if?” questions and a jumper better than any other in the world. [Magic stuff – Ed.]

Off Season Odyssey – Part 14: Kicking Over Wheat Silos

Remember when we could all travel around?

One of the great troubadours of footy life, Matt Zurbo embarked on an epic tour some years ago. Here’s just one of the many highlights – from wheatbelt country close to the meeting point of three states and a lot of sunshine.

Round 8 – Port Adelaide v St Kilda: A ten minute doorway to football heaven

A 10 minute period on Saturday night caught Matt Zurbo’s eye. He thinks it represents much about what is great with the modern game. Relive those minutes with him (with a detour into the Friday night efforts of Dusty and Toby Greene).

Almanac Reviews: These Treasures – Old Dog on the joy of a book

Find out why Damian Balassone’s recent book, ‘A Strange Game in a Strange Land’ is a treasure trove of delights for Matt Zurbo.

‘Hawthorn’: In the words of John Kennedy Snr

From Old Dog (Matt Zurbo):

“I present to you, lovers of footy, in memory of a great coach, footballer and genuine family man, a quote from Ray Wilson, followed by my full, 10,000 word chat with John Kennedy Snr… A transcript I could only title: ‘Hawthorn’.”

This is a must-read.

Life Speeds Up

Time has changed for Old Dog. But some things remain the same.

(Covid) Training for Two

Old Dog has been busy – he’s turned his formidable experience on footy grounds to a guide for training when coronavirus has got you down or even just distanced. All you need is a footy and a mate. [A variation of ‘three-drop’ has always been one of my faves too – Ed.]

Almanac Life (and training): It’s 10.30pm

Old Dog has been out late, running to get the kilometres into his legs, sharing the night with an owl, also sharing some insights into training in the age of coronavirus.

Half time

Oh to be a fly on the wall in Round 1 – Matt Zurbo takes us into the “fictional” inner sanctum of a club in the time of coronavirus.

Nick

Old Dog has been tidying up his laptop. He found this piece about Nick Kyrgios, written during the Australian Open.

Season 38

Saddling up for footy season 38, Old Dog has road trips on the mind, along with a few other matters.

Zamora – Soccer and life in Venezuela

Life in Venezuela can be very tough for the ordinary citizen. It’s sport, especially soccer that people turn to for relief as Matt Zurbo explains.

Almanac Flashback – The Melbourne Cup: Matt Zurbo

In an Almanac Flashback from 2014, Matt Zurbo reflects on the traditions of racing, from about as far away from the glamour of Flemington as you can get.

Almanac Flashback – A Story-Teller’s Story Can Be A Beautiful Thing

Here is a fabulous Footy Almanac Flashback from Matt Zurbo about his good mate Bruce Pascoe. Ripper read!

Grand Final – Richmond v GWS: Damage

Old Dog’s Grand Final thoughts have been a must-read on the Almanac site for years. And this one on Richmond’s thrashing of GWS is no different. He describes and analyses and thinks about what it all means from a shed in south-east Tassie. [Thanks Old Dog – JTH]

Finals Week 2 – Geelong v West Coast: Blind-sided

When Damien came to Tassie to interview Old Dog for The New York Times, he was given a pair of boots and a training jumper so he could have a kick. Old Dog and Damo (as he became) stayed in contact with each other and got together via the phone to watch Geelong play the Eagles. Old Dog conveys Damo’s observations while making a few of his own.

Colts

A terrific piece by Matt Zurbo on the inception of the Dodges Ferry Colts (in Tassie), a side that has given the senior club a youthful boost.

Ken Fraser, Lazar, Bourke, Winmar and Ricky

Old Dog was recently the special guest at an Almanac lunch at the North Fitzroy Arms where we launched his book Heart & Soul. He brought some guests whom he’s met along the way. It was a memorable day, as he explains.

Almanac Lunch Report – Matt Zurbo’s ‘Heart & Soul’

E Regnans had never met Matt Zurbo until he went to the Almanac Lunch at the North Fitzroy Arms Hotel to hear him talk about ‘Heart & Soul’ and introduce some of the well-known footballers he interviewed for the book. [Sounds like a cracking lunch – Ed]

Almanac Flashback: Off Season Odyssey – Part 37: Blighty!

With Matt Zurbo lunching at the North Fitzroy Arms this Friday, let’s revisit his 2012 road trip, where he caught up with none other than Malcolm Blight.