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.

Almanac/Odd Friday Lunch: Matt Zurbo and his new book Heart & Soul (today)

Come and celebrate with one of the Almanac’s favourite sons, Matt Zurbo, as his new book ‘Heart and Soul: Footy Stories by those who played the Game’ is launched on Friday 19th July. Join us for lunch at the The North Fitzroy Arms Hotel,  296 Rae St, North Fitzroy for a day of ripping yarns and tales.

Matt Zurbo and his efforts profiled in the New York Times

Matt Zurbo and his project are profiled in the New York Times! “He’s Writing 365 Children’s Books in 365 Days, While Holding Down a Day Job – Matt Zurbo’s challenge, named after his daughter, Cielo, is an unconventional labor of love.”

Almanac Writers – Matt Zurbo: Some mighty fine writing!

Matt Zurbo has published many excellent stories on the Footy Almanac site over many years, so, do yourself a favour and check some of them out.

Round 12 – Collingwood v Melbourne: One on one, Gawn v Grundy

Matt Zurbo turned on the TV on Queen’s Birthday to watch the battle within a battle. He gave the points to Max Gawn despite Brodie Grundy’s Collingwood winning the encounter.

Almanac Footy Books (and Lunches): An extract from Matt Zurbo’s ‘Heart & Soul’ – Ken Hunter

Matt Zurbo spent many years chatting to footballers and produced a fine collection of the interviews. A new edition of the book Heart & Soul has been published by Geoff Slattery. This post includes an extract from the book – an interview with Ken Hunter. The book will be celebrated (launched?) at The Footy Almanac/Odd Friday Lunch at the North Fitzroy Arms on July 19. All welcome.

Almanac Anniversaries: A Quick Thank You from Matt Zurbo

Matt Zurbo looks at the clock and realises he’s been writing for the Almanac for ten years. He’s a do-er. But he stops for a minute to think about why. [Thanks Matt. It’s yours as much as anyone’s. – JTH]

Thirty Metres

Matt Zurbo’s back doing what he does best; writing from the heart, stories about footy and footy clubs, mates, good times, life and living, and being the best you can, all written in his own laconic style.

Round 3 – Melbourne v Essendon: Friday night home

Matt Zurbo has a TV! [Hard to believe – Ed] He watches Essendon and Melbourne – these are his observations. [All the best today too Old Dog as you start your own umpteenth season – Ed]

Unrushed, Unspoken

Old Dog kicks the footy in the bush.

Almanac (Thinking) Footy: The Greatest Footballer of All Time

Matt Zurbo and Elena and Cielo are in Venezuela. Matt is thinking about life and footy. This piece considers the concept of ‘the greatest’ and finishes wih a cracking photo.

Grand Final – West Coast v Collingwood: Pressure

We all know Old Dog loves footy and has a great eye and feel for it. When it’s Grand Final time he sets himself for a big performance. So when it’s an epic Grand Final he does it justice. “To watch the 2018 Grand Final,” he writes, “was a thing from Heaven.” [Do yourself a favour – JTH]

Kids’ Footy Stories

Some news from Old Dog and family who are still Up North, including a new project which has him writing and illustrating 365 kids’ stories in 365 days. [Remarkable – ed]

The Oasis

Old Dog loves the game, always has. Some things around the AFL, he doesn’t love so much. Here he highlights his oasis in a desert of opprobrium, our Footy Almanac.

NQ

Where has Old Dog been?

Aydan Marriner

Old Dog, on the importance of friendship and the simplicity of distance.

The Numbers Game

Old Dog has taken his family Up North here he’s work in the FNQ humidity. He’s been thinking. And in this piece, he’s thinking out loud. What’s the impact of the number of players in a team on community?