An historian at work: Carolyn Spooner used Trove and the other tools of discovery at her disposal to track down the story behind one of the iconic images of Australian football – Roy Cazaly’s one-handed leap.
Almanac Footy History: Alf Hedge – The Bloods’ Braveheart
April 26, 2025 by 6 Comments
This is Roger Spaull’s complete story of Alf Hedge, South Melbourne player and RAAF pilot. It was previously published in three parts.
Almanac Footy History: Alf Hedge – The Bloods’ Braveheart (Part 2)
April 23, 2025 by 1 Comment
Roger Spaull’s story of Alf Hedge continues with Part 2.
Almanac Footy History: Alf Hedge – The Bloods’ braveheart (Part 1)
April 22, 2025 by 1 Comment
Roger Spaull is one of the Almanac’s much-loved writers. He brings to life great characters, usually sporting characters, of days gone by. His ANZAC Day story this year is of South Melbourne’s Alf Hedge. Such is the breadth and depth of Roger’s research and writing, we are publishing his story in three parts, starting today (Tuesday, April 22). The next two parts will be published on Wednesday and Thursday. We are grateful to Roger for these wonderful contributions, which always generate a lot of interest.
Almanac Footy History: Gordon Lane – A cut above the rest.
November 29, 2024 by 3 Comments
Roger Spaull delves deeply into the footy archives to once again come up with another incredibly well researched biography of a former VFL/AFL great. This time it is Essendon champion Gordon ‘Whopper’ Lane, who also later became playing coach of South Melbourne.
Almanac Footy History: 1899 Grand Final – Fitzroy v South Melbourne
September 24, 2024 by 3 Comments
This Saturday Fitzroy play South Melbourne for the 2024 AFL Premiership, albeit as Brisbane and Sydney. Here’s a story by John Harms about that 1899 Grand Final when Fitzroy really did play South Melbourne.
Almanac Footy History: The John Pitura trade
November 12, 2023 by 4 Comments
Dan Hoban recently caught up with John Pitura and asked him about the South Melbourne trade. In profiling the talented utility, Dan has written this account of the saga.
Almanacker wins Football Victoria media award
September 6, 2022 by 3 Comments
At last night’s NPL Victoria “Gold Medal Night”, Luke Radziminski took home the Les Shorrock Award for ‘best football image’.
Jan Courtin’s tragic death (a piece from her brother Tony)
August 10, 2022 by 31 Comments
Tony Courtin writes about his dear oldest sister and our great friend at the Footy Almanac, Jan Courtin who died after a tragic accident last week. Vale Jan Courtin. [Tony, we appreciate you writing this at such a difficult time – JTH]
Almanac Soccer – National Premier League: The Big One
July 13, 2022 by 2 Comments
Luke Radziminski provides an insight into the machinations of the National Premier League as the season enters its final stages.
Almanac Soccer: NPL Round 13 Recap – Pandemonium on Friday the 13th
May 16, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Luke Radziminski had some early bad vibes due to superstitions around the date, but to his great joy and slight surprise, South Melbourne pulled off one of the most stunning comebacks in recent football history over Avondale. [Contains minor strong language – Ed.]
Almanac Soccer: Recap – South Hold on For Top Spot, Just Barely
April 27, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Luke reports on South Melbourne’s latest journey as they continue to battle for top spot on the ladder. Find out how South Melbourne managed to clinch a last gasp winner on ANZAC day away to Altona Magic!
Almanac Soccer: Weekly Recap – South in Seventh Heaven After Cupset Fiasco
April 6, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Luke recaps of the events that unfolded in the Victorian NPL, as South were now knocked out of the Australia Cup by their rival league contenders, but maintained their league form last Saturday holding onto top spot on the ladder
Almanac Soccer: 5 Star Performance As South Remain Top Of The Ladder
March 22, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Luke recaps South’s convincing win over Hume City last Friday Night, with something bizarre that had happened early in the first half. Find out what happened along with a video of the match highlights to see for yourself
Almanac Soccer: A Six-Pointer Top of The Table Clash Favours South Melbourne
March 16, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Luke travels to South Melbourne’s away game against St Albans in a top of the table clash. See what’s inside with a little surprise and a full recap of photos and highlights of what was a hotly contested match
Almanac Soccer – NPL Round 3: Derby’s Downpour Delight as South Melbourne brush aside Knights
March 7, 2022 by Leave a Comment
The juggernauts from Lakeside keep rolling on – the latest win a comfortable result over old NSL sparring partners Melbourne Knights. Luke Radziminski has all the details.
Almanac Soccer – NPL Round 2: South Overcome their Dreaded Bogey Away Day
March 1, 2022 by 2 Comments
A daunting trip to Bentleigh Greens for South Melbourne had its share of thrills, spills and goals. Luke Radziminski was on hand to take it all in for Round 2 of the NPL.
Almanac Soccer: South Raring To Go In Their Curtain Raiser Derby
February 16, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Luke Radziminski returns to photographing soccer matches with some pics and a match report from the Dandenong Thunder and South friendly match.
Geelong’s Record Run – Round 6, 1953: Geelong v South Melbourne – 1952 flag unfurled
July 28, 2021 by 7 Comments
Peter Clark’s newest entry to his series on Geelong’s record run of wins sees the Cats unfurl thier premiership flag before trouncing South Melbourne.
Almanac Footy History: The first moving images of VFL football
August 30, 2020 by 4 Comments
This is the earliest surviving film of VFL footy – from the 1909 Grand Final between Carlton and South Melbourne.
Recent Comments