Almanac Footy and Water-skiing: Ted Hopkins – Renaissance Man in Blue

After chatting with Roger Ley, Andrew ‘Dougie’ Fraser tells the tale of a young water ski-ing footballer at Monash University who led a most creative and original life. That man: Ted Hopkins, who was a friend of The Footy Almanac for many years, since John Harms first met him on Run Like You Stole Something on 3RRR. [This is a really interesting piece, thanks Dougie – Ed] [With the passing of Carlton footballer Ted Hopkins on Monday, the Footy Almanac reprises Andrew Fraser’s story about Ted.]

Almanac Footy History: Remembering the early days of Geoff Southby and Keith Greig

David Clerehan was at primary school when Geoff Southby and Keith Greig made their debuts. He remembers those early days, as he reminds us that both celebrate birthdays this week.

Almanac Footy: The Hopkins-Ellen Medal – A Call for Nominations

Sam Steele has devised a list of lesser-known players who were in the right place at the right time and performed admirably at Grand Final time.

Almanac History: Moratorium

The Moratorium March, Royalty at the footy, the VFL’s first ever Sunday match, and VFL Park’s first game; 1970 was certainly a happening year for many things political- and footy-wise. This insightful piece from Glen! was posted a couple of years ago and this past weekend marked the 50th anniversary of the Moratorium March. [Well worth remembering – Ed.]

The death of Simon Shaw, ‘a grand little sportsman’

Roger Spaull is back with this piece about Simon Shaw a much-loved post-World War II figure of Yallourn and its footy club who died after a swimming accident.

Almanac Footy Analysis: A short history of the Richmond Castle

Interesting Grand Final analysis from Ted Hopkins, famous footballer, and champion thinker.

A full day of football

Last Friday, I had a full day of football. It started at 12 noon (well actually, it was about an hour later when host and guest turned up). It was the monthly Footy Almanac luncheon at the Clyde Hotel in Carlton, and Ted Hopkins was the Guest of Honour. Many years ago I was an [Read more]

Book Launch: Ted Hopkins

Ted Hopkins shot to fame when he replaced Bert Thornley at half-time in the 1970 Grand Final, kicking four goals to lead Carlton to victory. Although Hopkins played just one more game, he was to come back to footy in years to come – in a significant way. The collection and analysis of statistics started as a [Read more]

True Blue Bloods Shine

Many seemed preoccupied on Friday with a certain royal to-do over in old Blighty (not Malcolm), but those of a more discerning palate would have been privileged to watch a pair of true Blue bloods in action: firstly at the Clyde Hotel for the Footy Almanac lunch, where Ted Hopkins entertained and illuminated as guest [Read more]