Almanac (Local) Footy: The Perfect Groundhog Day

The commencement of the local footy season is upon us again. From his Fearon Reserve vantage point, Smokie ponders this – and Groundhog Day.

Almanac (Local) Footy: Fitzroy Thirds Fan Day – POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Some of the boys from old (new?) Fitzroy will be putting on a show for the fans at Ramsden Street Oval in Clifton Hill and would love to see you there!

Almanac Book Review: ‘The Fitzroy Lions and the Tragedy of 1996’ by William Westerman

In this review of William Westerman’s ‘Merger’, Jonathan Pilbrow shares how affecting and emotional he found the book’s subjects and their portrayals while offering lessons for the future and hope through community. [Couldn’t agree more – Ed]

Almanac Local Footy: The Sandlot

As the Williamstown CYMS Under 19s prepare for their second-semi final against Old Xavierians, Smokie looks back at music and films which were used for pre-match ‘psyching’ in his day – and suggests a film which would be a sure-fire winner.

Almanac Footy: The Legend of Gil

Smokie Dawson recalls the legend of the ‘player’ with the name of Gil Spencer at the Williamstown CY’s U19s nearly forty years ago.

The Fearon Reserve: Our Field of Dreams

The new VAFA season commences tomorrow and, in B Grade, Williamstown CYMS take on Old Carey at the Fearon Reserve. Smokie tries to explain what “The Fez” means to CY’s people.

Almanac (Local) Footy: Thirds in their words

The pandemic may well have caused major disruptions to all of us but it can’t take away from us the things we value and the places where we find connection and purpose. Jarrod Landells and mates explain via the agency of the Fitzroy Thirds.

Almanac Book Reviews – William Westerman’s ‘Merger’ by Jamie Simmons

Jamie Simmons read William Westerman’s recent release ‘Merger’ on the events of 1996 between Fitzroy and Brisbane and here shares his thoughts.

VAFA Premier B Section – Williamstown CYMS FC: The Ladder

Having climbed through the lower rungs of the VAFA, this Saturday the Williamstown CYMS Football Club will play its first ever match in Premier B Section. Smokie muses on the notion of climbing ladders.

Almanac Footy – Famous VAFA Club XVIII/Clubbies footballers

Kevin Pollard keeps working his way down the Victorian footy leagues tree of individuals with notable careers who had a crack at playing – this time in the VAFA’s Club XVIII league or ‘Clubbies’. Can you add any more names to the list?

Almanac (Footy) Life: Folly In The Goalsquare

Five years after he’d retired from ammos footy, Smokie Dawson gets the call from TR, the coach of Willy CY’s reserves. Here’s what happened. [This is a piece from ‘Footy Town’, a collection of stories about country, suburban and amateur footy – Ed]

No Footy!

Smokie laments the cancellation of local footy. He’s missing the Fearon.

Almanac Footy (and Racing): The Benefit of a St Kevin’s Education

As revellers prepare for the SKOB’s Grand Final Luncheon and a weekend of VAFA grand finals, John Harms considers the benefit of a St Kevin’s education.

VAFA B Section – Fitzroy v Something Important: A Moment

Local footy is a great leveller, a community of compassion, where empathy is openly displayed no matter your standing in life, as Phil Hill’s day at footy so clearly demonstrates.

VAFA Premier C Section – Williamstown CYMS FC preview: “Card Night”

Smokie looks back on the “Card Night”, which once formed part of his pre-match ritual.

Balcony Banter – Women’s football: Annabel Brebner

Anna Pavlou talks to Annabel Brebner, chair of the MCC affiliated women’s club now competing in its second season in the VAFA.

VAFA – Williamstown CYMS: A Great Reaches 200

In his long association with Williamstown CYMS FC, Smokie has seen many good footballers represent the club. Ben Gray, who plays his 200th match tomorrow, is one of the greatest.

VAFA Media Awards “Best Online Feature Story” 2018 – Williamstown CYMS AFC: Into The Ammos!

Great news. Smokie Dawson has won the 2018 VAFA media award for “Best online feature story.” We first published it here in May. The story of Williamstown CYMS AFC; a history of the club’s inception into the VAFA. Here it is.

Workplace Football: An introduction and overview

What modern Australian workplace would be without footy chat? But the Australian workplace has a connection to Aussie Rules that goes way back. Anna Pavlou introduces a fascinating look at the history of workplace football. Contains traces of Captain Blood. (A project generously supported by Peter Stirk – Ed)

The Fitzroy FC Player Wrap

It’s been a great season for Fitzroy so far writes King George! III Let’s cap it off with a couple of Grand Final victories this Saturday at Trevor Barker Oval. In the lead-up, here’s his tribute to the players in 2018. [With much affection and celebration – JTH]