Almanac Literary: Neil Cordy chats to Kelvin Templeton about the experiences which influenced his novel ‘Collision’

November 19, 2025 by 2 Comments

Football, at senior level everywhere, was a violent game. Neil Cordy takes us back to those days of the 1970s and talks with Kelvin Templeton about the experiences on which key elements of his novel ‘Collision’ are based.

Almanac Footy: Fifty years ago, ‘Far, Far Away’

April 11, 2025 by 17 Comments

Andrew ‘Gigs’ Gigacz was on top of the world on this day 50 years ago as he headed to the Western Oval with Slade’s ‘Far, Far Away’. He’s learnt an important life lesson from that day.
[On the 50th anniversary of this tragic accident we reprise Gigs’ account of the event from a few years ago – ED]

Almanac Life: Project Discovery Classic #5 – Riding to achieve Neil Sachse’s Vision

February 5, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Neil Sachse suffered one of the worst footy injuries imaginable becoming a quadriplegic in 1975. He worked tirelessly in the field of raising awareness of spinal injuries and Project Discovery was set up as a fundraising arm for the cause. Details for the forthcoming Project Discovery Classic #5: Riding to achieve Neil Sachse’s Vision are listed. Can you help out?

Neil Sachse: 45 years on

August 27, 2020 by 15 Comments

Paul O’Connor (from the Western Bulldogs Past Players, and good friend of the Almanac) presents a terrific tribute to Neil Sachse who was seriously injured in a tragic incident 45 years ago. (We republish this piece to pay respects to Neil Sachse, who passed away on Aug 26, 2020. RIP, Neil. – Ed).

Neil Sachse: A determined father spreads an important message

August 27, 2020 by 20 Comments

With the passing of Neil Sachse, we revisit this excerpt from Mike Sexton’s book about Neil. This is an introduction to Neil Sachse, the nature of spinal injury, the advances made in understanding and management, and Neil’s foundation. The Almanac extends our condolences to the Sachse family.

1971 SANFL Mobil Cards – Part 3: North Adelaide

August 13, 2020 by 11 Comments

North Adelaide was entering a rewarding period under Mike Patterson when these 1971 Mobil Cards of four of its very best were produced, including the greatest of them all, Barrie Robran.

1971 – Vic v SA (MCG): A New Record

March 13, 2019 by 17 Comments

The Victorian public’s interest in state football was at an all-time high in June 1971, as both sides were filled with names that resonate to this day. Swish has annotated that game’s Football Record and has obtained some memories from one of the SA participants.

South Australia v Victoria 1973: Nevermore

May 30, 2018 by 30 Comments

Swish relives his first state game via this 1973 Footy Budget, the one where Jezza kicked 10. He’s still going, unlike much of its commercial contents.

Neil Sachse, the Bulldogs, and spinal cord research

November 12, 2017 by 1 Comment

On the eve of the Project Discovery Classic #2, a ride to raise funds for the Neil Sachse Centre – Spinal Cord Research, Michael Sexton gives us some background.

Era, era on the wall; 1967-1976

November 4, 2015 by 18 Comments

The late 60s and early 70s are the Golden Years of footy for many VFL fans. In Jeff Dowsing’s latest look at Grand Final eras, the years 1967 to 1976 would see a revolution in how the game was played after Barassi’s Blues and their use handball engineered possibly the greatest comeback in VFL Grand Final history. Carlton, Richmond, Hawthorn and North fans; this is your era.

Remembering Talent Lost

March 15, 2015 by 15 Comments

Wesley Hull ponders the intersection of talent and fate, and fate generally.