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AFL Round 18- ESSENDON v ST KILDA: Josh Barnstable packed in a big day, making the journey to Melbourne for the Almanac lunch, then back home to watch the Bombers continue their streak over the Saints.
CRIO’S GG’S: As the horses get ready for their birthday parties, Chris Riordan looks at the weekend’s racing.
GIGS’ STATS: This week in Professor Gigs’ Observatory of Infinite Possibilities we discover why last Friday’s draw was blindingly obvious, how Collingwood supporters need to be careful what they wish for, and get absolutely the last word anyone needs on Aker.
PRE WRAP XVIII: Just as The Wrap seems timeless, so do certain recurring themes of the season. John Mosig looks at matters AFL in the last week, and offers a few predictions for the weekend.
ITALIAN TEAM OF THE CENTURY: Tony De Bolfo has already given us the story of Cecil Pettiona. He now relates some less fortunate tales of the Pettiona clan, beginning with Cecil’s nephew Charles, who also played for South Melbourne, and met a tragic early death. Tony will be speaking at the Almanac lunch this Friday at the All Nations Hotel, corner of Lennox and York Sts, Richmond from 12.30 pm.
SPORTS CLICHÉ: Arma Nasco debuts with an examination of the much maligned sporting phenomenon of being “much maligned”. He also offers a possibly maligned list of contemporary maligned.
TRAVEL ALERT: Foreign correspondent Eric Ellis has a harrowing tale all international travellers and sports fans will relate to. He warns of the insidious nature of ICPS (International Couch Potato Syndrome).
SOCCER: Tom Riordan begins the first of his weekly A League columns with a preview of the likely contenders for the upcoming season.
AFL Round 17- WEST COAST v CARLTON: John Butler reports on the Blues trip west, where they flirted with disaster, only to rediscover a mysterious ally just in time.
TEAM OF THE CENTURY: Tony De Bolfo looks at the life of Cecil Pettiona, who played 78 games for South Melbourne during their most successful era.
LOCAL FOOTY: Cranbourne’s Justin Berry led his Victorian teammates on a merry dance during the Australian Country Football Championships, writes Paul Daffey.
THE RUN HOME: Is the final eight settled already? Or will there be a barnstorming finish from one of the teams in the lower reaches of the ladder? The Almanac’s own “barnstormer”, Josh Barnstable, looks ahead to the last five weeks before September.
AFL Round 17 – NORTH MELBOURNE v ESSENDON: It’s not often a fan can walk away from a 3-point loss with a sense of relief, but for Darren Dawson, North’s loss has help relieved the anxiety of a potential “premature ejection” in this year’s finals.
AFL Round 17 – NORTH MELBOURNE v ESSENDON: Meanwhile, for Darren’s fellow North supporter Andrew Starkie, the pain of the three point loss was compounded by the knowledge that he will be subjected to a “MOC” mocking for the next few days.
AFL Round 17- ST KILDA v HAWTHORN: Both teams put on a great Friday night showing, but John Butler laments the fact that they received absolutely no assistance from either the venue or the rules of the game as they presently stand.
ITALIAN TEAM OF THE CENTURY: In today’s instalment of Tony De Bolfo’s series, he profiles Peter Bevilacqua, a man with a unique place in VFL/AFL history.
AFL Round 17 – MELBOURNE v SYDNEY: Beware the power of feng-shui warns Tom Bally, as he surveys the damaged caused by just a slight move of his mini-Swans Sherrin.
THE VIEW FROM SHEPPARTON: Looking back over the events of Round 17, Peter Schumacher ponders how a Buddy brain-fade and an orange flag could affect the Grand Final.
CRIO’S QUESTION: We’re in the home stretch for Season 2010. For those striving for finals positions, or those just looking to avoid the spoon, some games will be pivotal. Chris Riordan asks you to name the crunch games which will impact most on your side or others.
ETIHAD STADIUM SURFACE: As the debate over the playing surface at Docklands rages, Bill Walker suggests that what is needed is a solution, not an inquisition. He offers the benefit of his horticultural experience to identify what the problems might be.
OFFICIAL AFL PRETTY LIST: Take this Champion Data! Dannielle Eid has scoured the club websites to bring you a comprehensive guide to hotness in the AFL. And to show that it’s scientifically based, Collingwood aren’t even on top!
ITALIAN TEAM OF THE CENTURY: Tony De Bolfo’s series continues with the story of Peter Pianto, who is also a member of Geelong’s Team of the Century.
THE WRAP XVII: John Mosig digs beneath the surface (not just Etihad) to tell us what really went on in round 17 of the AFL.
FOOTY WRITING: Some reptilian company has “Rabbit” teetering on the brink, as do his Bombers in round 17 of Geoff Sinclair’s Home and Away Games.
FLOREAT PICA REPORT: Paul Fahey gives the FP report on the big win over the Tigers.
AFL Round 17- MELBOURNE v SYDNEY: Josh Barnstable describes how the Dees upset expectations to put a dent in the Swans’ finals aspirations.
LOCAL FOOTY: Rod Oaten bypassed the Bombers this weekend to take in the delights of football down Lorne way.
AFL Round 17- WEST COAST v CARLTON: Josh Barnstable’s attentions were severely divided between events in Perth and those at Etihad, as eighth position was up for grabs.
AFL Round 17- COLLINGWOOD v RICHMOND: It’s the usual kind of Danni Eid match review: stream of consciousness- check; love letter to player (Leroy)- check; and respect for opponents (but in a very Collingwood kind of way)- check.
AFL Round 17- COLLINGWOOD v RICHMOND: If the Tigers were harbouring ambitions of making it a contest against the Pies, it was mission failed, according to Josh Barnstable.
AFL Round 17- ST KILDA v HAWTHORN: Josh Barnstable reports on a classic tussle where an orange flag proved to hold great significance.
CRIO’S GG’s: Chris Riordan laments the decline of jumps racing, as exemplified by this weekend’s Hisken Steeple.
ITALIAN TEAM OF THE CENTURY: We continue Tony De Bolfo’s series on members of the Italian Team of the Century with the story of Frank Curcio, Fitzroy great, musician and one of Jack Dyer’s great adversaries.
ITALIAN TEAM OF THE CENTURY: The next Almanac lunch, on the 30th July at the All Nations Hotel, will feature Tony De Bolfo. Tony will be discussing the selection of the Italian Team of the Century, amongst numerous topics covering his many years in footy journalism. Today we begin a series of in-depth articles from Tony on individual team members, the first being one of the game’s greats, triple Brownlow Medalist Ian Stewart (Cervi)
AFL Round 16- COLLINGWOOD v ST KILDA: The weather was fine. The company (in the Members) was fine. But the match definitely wasn’t fine. David Downer recounts his Saturday at the MCG, and dreams of a better tomorrow.
THE PRE WRAP XVII: John Mosig is less than pleased with the various arms of the AFL after the week’s events. As usual, he surveys the week that was, and looks to the weekend ahead.
GIGS’ STATS: This week Andrew Gigacz investigates the possibility of Matthew Knights going down despite the Bombers going up, notes that Brisbane created history at York Park (although probably not the sort of history they’d wanted to create) and tries to make sense of what the hell Jeff Kennett is going on about.
HAIKU BOB: The Pies weaved to victory over the Saints through “fingers of sun”
COMMENT: David Latham sees a Frankenstein’s concoction of failure looming for a couple of clubs as they succumb to the imperatives of unrealistic expectations.
COMMENT: “Son of God” or “God-Sun”? Domenic Favata suspects the latter, as he gives his perspective on the Gary Ablett Jnr saga.
AFL Round 16: RICHMOND v NORTH MELBOURNE: Andrew Starkie watches the Kangaroos revel in the wet and declares them to be still in the hunt.
ESSENDON & CARLTON: There is much dissatisfaction at both of these traditional rivals. John Butler wonders if current expectations are justified, and whether the right lessons are being drawn from the past.
FOOTY FANS: Being a 16-year-old member of a passionate Richmond family is not as easy these days as it would have been, say, 30 years ago. Almanac newcomer Julia Harrison offers some very useful survival tips.
LOCAL FOOTY: The permutations of possible premiers in Melbourne’s Eastern league and country Victoria’s Goulburn Valley league make them two of the more interesting competitions in Australia, writes Paul Daffey.
FICTION: A top two place is at stake this week as Albertville take on Nambool. Richard Holt’s The Albatross Rules continues.
THE VIEW FROM SHEPPARTON: It’s taken Peter Schumacher a good few days to recover from the trauma that has affected so many footy fans since Saturday – seeing Collingwood on top of the ladder!
BENDIGO FOOTY: Richard Jones looks back 13 years to a function held by the VFL-aligned Bendigo Diggers Footy Club. On the night an All Stars team was announced, honouring some of the players in the BCFL from the 1972-1997 period. It was a team that had a significant “Carlton” flavour.
CRIO’S QUESTION: In sport, as in life, there are moments which come to be regarded as pivotal. In the case of Matthew Knights, the name Le Cras may prove such a case. Chris Riordan asks you for the sporting moments you think triggered significant change.
AFL Round 16-COLLINGWOOD v ST KILDA & MUSIC: Andrew Fithall knew it was over early at the ‘G, once Leroy was slotting them from the boundary. He then took in the Winter’s Ball as a second course.
AFL Round 16- RICHMOND v NORTH MELBOURNE: Steve Healy braved the wet to watch the Roos end the Tigers’ run.
FLOREAT PICA SOCIETY: On their ascension to the top of the ladder, Suzy Lewis reports that the Pies are trying to take the high road. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t seemed to have worked.
THE WRAP XVI: John Mosig recaps a fascinating round 16 in AFL land.
AFL Round 16- RICHMOND v NORTH MELBOURNE: Josh Barnstable enjoyed the company, the Roos’ win, and the free tickets, though not necessarily in that order.
AFL Round 16- ADELAIDE v GEELONG: Dan Crane is still coming to terms with his move back to Adelaide, but he seems to have taken the Cats’ loss in his stride.
FOOTY WRITING: As the Bombers battle the Eagles, “Rabbit” is called away on a mercy mission. Geoff Sinclair’s Home and Away Games reaches Round 16.
AFL Round 16- COLLINGWOOD v ST KILDA: For Danni Eid, watching her Pies beat the Saints was a Saturday afternoon love affair.
AFL Round 16- ESSENDON v WEST COAST: Rod Oaten expresses the bafflement and ire of many Bombers fans as their season continues its downward spiral with a loss to the Eagles.
BOOK LAUNCH: The Family Behind the Football is the story of the Sherrin family as told by Syd Sherrin. Vin Maskell gives a great insight into how the book came about.
AFL Round 16- ADELAIDE v GEELONG: Josh Barnstable gives the lowdown on how the Crows upset expectations against the Cats.
CRIO’S RACING: Chris Riordan considers the approaching end of the racing year, as well as Saturday’s meeting at Caulfield.
THE PRE WRAP XVI: For those struggling with their tipping (isn’t that most of us), John Mosig gives his considered opinion on the weekend’s games.
HARMS: The Geelong Football Club takes an historic step on a Saturday afternoon at the MCG.
SPORT & FAMILY: The big leagues command the headlines and the money, but to most people who play sport it’s the little personal targets that really matter, especially when it’s your children. Tony Robb gives a proud father’s perspective.
HAIKU BOB: The Pies muted Choco’s finale, as they found “holes in the night” on their way to victory.
WINTER BLUES: It’s winter, you’re crook, and school’s getting you down. Sometimes you need a good grizzle to ward off the drizzle. Josh Barnstable entertains the heretical thought that footy may not be the answer to all that ails you.
CRIO’S QUESTION: As Chris Riordan rightly indicates, though the season is far from complete, the nature of the AFL beast makes it likely some cards have been marked already. Who do you think will go? And who are likely to be survivors?
RIVERLAND SUPERDOGS: And there was another “Power” team that went down at he weekend, as Portland succumbed to the Superdogs. Nick Kossatch tells more.
AFL Round 15- MELBOURNE v ESSENDON: As he dealt with the twin blows of a Roos loss and the end of the holidays, Josh Barnstable followed the Dees’ victory at the ‘G.
FOOTY WRITING: The Bombers are playing Melbourne at the MCG, but somehow “Rabbit” finds himself back at AAMI Stadium, the scene of last week’s distaster against Adelaide. It’s Round 15 in Geoff Sinclair’s Home and Away Games.
WORLD CUP FORUM: It took until the 116th minute, but Spain have finally won the World Cup for the first time. The 1-0 result means the champions of Europe are now World champions. With the carnival over for another four years, we invite you to share your thoughts on the tournament.
AFL Round 15 – BRISBANE v ST KILDA: Josh Barnstable’s match report from Saturday night’s game at the ‘Gabba is strangely lacking in second-quarter detail. Find out why here.
AFL Round 15- GEELONG v HAWTHORN: For Damian O’Donnell, an afternoon in the garden ebbed and flowed to the rhythm of the titanic MCG clash.
THE WRAP XV: John Mosig gives a comprehensive overview of the footy, the coaches’ carousel, and other pertinent subjects.
THE VIEW FROM SHEPPARTON: In this week’s View, Peter Schumacher ponders a Canberra parallel to Choco’s departure, and casts his eye over events in other sports in the aftermath of a busy weekend.
AFL Round 15- CARLTON v BULLDOGS: Speaking for the disgruntled Navy Blue faithful, Tony Robb is none too pleased with the display served up against the Doggies.
AFL Round 15- RICHMOND v FREMANTLE: As Callum O’Connor attests, the Tigers continue to defy the expectations of their fans, delightfully so.
AFL Round 15- GEELONG v HAWTHORN: For Sam Marcolin it was a matter of avoiding the Wicked Witch of the MCG, as the Cats found the yellow brick road to victory.
AFL Round 15- GEELONG v HAWTHORN: It was the return of big time football to Saturday afternoon, and the Cats celebrated with another cliff-hanger against their arch rivals. Josh Barnstable reports.
AFL Round 15- RICHMOND v FREMANTLE: Michael Allan rejoices as the Tigers upset the Dockers to continue their remarkable improvement.
FLOREAT PICA REPORT: It seems events in Adelaide on Friday proved further fuel to Magpie paranoia. Kevin Ramsdale delivers the FP report, whilst Tim O’Leary gives the Danny Roaches.
AFL Round 15- PORT v COLLINGWOOD: Josh Barnstable points out (from his sick bed) that Choco may have proved Alan Scott wrong, but he couldn’t conjure a victory in his final game as Port coach.
AFL Round 14- RICHMOND v SYDNEY: Last year when these sides met, Keiran Croker was critical of the Tigers. Given events this time around, he feels it appropriate that some humble pie be consumed.
FICTION: What’s a footy club without a pie night? Richard Holt’s The Albatross Rules reaches chapter 19, Redemption.
PUNT ROAD: Billy Miller continues his spiritual sojourn around the old suburban grounds. This time we visit the home of Captain Blood, Skinny Titus and scene of a certain star effort for the Mighty Mushroom Records.
GIGS’ STATS: This week in Professor Gigs’ Observatory of Mathematical Minutia, we discover that three strikes isn’t necessarily out, that the Hawks are square(d), and when it comes to the Tigers, nine is rarely out of fashion.
AFL Round 15- PORT v COLLINGWOOD: The quarter time score line did nothing for Danni Eid’s fevered brow. Fortunately for the sake of her teeth, her Pies prevented any more confectionery carnage.
CRIO’S RACING: Chris Riordan looks for the value in a strong and varied card at Flemington’s Winter Championship series.
SPORTS ECONOMICS: With South Africa’s World Cup reaching a climax, and our own bid efforts still full steam ahead, it seems opportune to look more closely at the claimed benefits of sports extravaganzas. Are they as significant as touted? And who benefits? Doubts continue to grow.
THE PRE WRAP XV: John Mosig looks at the week past and the weekend ahead, with added comments on the commentary, and some excellent tips on tipping.
HARMS: Last Sunday was a miserable one in Canberra- made worse by JTH’s 2006 flashbacks. Fortunately, the Cats had an antidote to the winter miseries.
WEATHER: So Harmsy’s complaining about the cold? Well, Les Everett would like to remind everyone that nothing was colder than being a Freo supporter at Kardinia Park back in 2004.
INJURY COMEBACKS: With Nick Riewoldt’s return imminent, Damian Watson thinks it timely to reflect on some notable player comebacks from long term injury.
PLAYER PROFILE: Bob Utber looks at the boy from Broken Hill, Taylor Walker, and ponders what small differences can turn a player into an A-grader.
LOCAL FOOTY: The Elsternwick footy club walked tall against its 142nd opponent, writes Paul Daffey.
HAIKU BOB: Haiku Bob, like Dane Swan, took the victory over West Coast “one touch at a time“.
MILESTONE: How important is Bill Walker’s portait of Daniel Franks, who played his 200th game for Wynyard at the weekend? VERY important, because it captures the essence, or what should be the essence, of our great game. Great piece, Phantom.
AFL Round 14- RICHMOND v SYDNEY: School holidays are a wonderful thing, especially when you can take in some extra footy. Steve Healy time-shifted the Tigers’ win, but reckons it was just fine any way you looked at it.
AFL ROUND 14 – FREMANTLE v PORT ADELAIDE: There’s nothing quite like listening to the footy on the radio on a Saturday arvo. Steve Healy tuned in to hear Port Adelaide break under the Dockers’ pressure and Michael Barlow’s leg break under Rhys Palmer.
FICTION: It’s chapter 18 of Richard Holt’s The Albatross Rules, and this one’s strictly for the birds.
LEGENDS GAME: For the ailing Josh Barnstable, a night on the couch watching the Vics take on the All-Stars was just the shot in the arm he needed.
AFL ROUND 14 – RICHMOND v SYDNEY: Is this history’s first ever bottom-of-the-ladder glamour team? John Green reflects on Richmond’s remarkable recent renaissance.
AFL ROUND 14 – GEELONG v NORTH MELBOURNE: Andrew Starkie dared to believe the Kangaroos could beat the Cats. Sadly, the North players did not appear to share that belief.
CRIO’S Q: Chris Riordan never fails to come up with a topic to set tongues wagging and keyboards clicking. This week he asks who’s in line for All- Australian selection.
BOOK REVIEW: And while Crio’s at it, here’s his review of David Peace’s “The Damned United”, a book that charts the spectacularly short, yet highly charged, tenure of Brian Clough as manager at Leeds United in 1974.
ESSENDON: The heavy loss in Adelaide and the impending anniversary of the 2000 premiership has Sam Duncan reflecting on the Bombers, past and present.
FLOREAT PICA SOCIETY: John Ramsdale gives the FPS report for the win over West Coast, whilst The Piesimist delivers the Danny Roach votes.
THE WRAP XIV: John Mosig continues the umpire theme, along with an overview of the weekend’s games.
THE VIEW FROM SHEPPARTON: In his assessment of the round, Peter Schumacher reflects on the sad end to Michael Barlow’s outstanding debut season.
AFL Round 14- ST KILDA v MELBOURNE: Steve Healy thinks some of the Demon youngsters continue to show promise, but they couldn’t match it with the Saints at Fortress Docklands.
AFL Round 14- HAWTHORN v BULLDOGS: Steve Healy gives a report of Friday’s thriller, as well as speculating on some of the sources of the Hawks’ revival.
AFL Round 14- RICHMOND v SYDNEY: The Tigers looked down and out several times, but they kept picking themselves up. Adam Bulman followed the drama (in between commercial breaks).
AFL Round 14- RICHMOND v SYDNEY: Josh Barnstable is suffering from a bad case of footy on the brain. Either that, or it’s the fever. Or maybe some of the Ox’s calls. Fortunately, the Tigers maintained their focus.
FOOTY WRITING: “Rabbit” scores a trip to Adelaide to watch the Bombers, but events prove a lot more fiery at the hotel than at the ground. Geoff Sinclair’s Home and Away Games hits the road for round 14.
AFL Round 14- HAWTHORN v BULLDOGS: Josh Barnstable describes how the Hawks found their heroes in the dying minutes to get them over the line in one of the games of the season.
AFL Round 14- COLLINGWOOD v WEST COAST: Danni Eid is undeterred by a sore throat, as she reports on the Pies demolition of the Eagles.
AFL Round 14- ADELAIDE v ESSENDON: After the Bombers’ efforts in Adelaide, Rod Oaten is tempted to consider some alternative sporting outlets.
AFL Round 14- CARLTON v BRISBANE: While he ponders whether it was the water or watching Collingwood that did him in, Josh Barnstable fights back the fever to deliver his verdict on the post-Masterchef footy.
AFL Round 14- CARLTON v BRISBANE: Fev was a no-show, and neither were the Lions in the final quarter. Steve Healy reports on the Blues win.
FOOTY JUSTICE: Opinions have divided in all directions following the dramas of round 13. John Butler is convinced the AFL’s football management style remains a major impediment to consistent footy justice.
COUNTRY FOOTY: Ken Piesse looks at the Mid Murray region for his Favourite Sons of the Bush series. This week’s list features Roy Millar, a pre-war legend of country sport.
BENDIGO FOOTY: The condition of the Queen Elizabeth Oval is a subject of current debate. Nothing new, says Richard Jones, who takes us back 50 years to when wet, sloppy conditions were also a hot topic.
FOOTY AESTHETICS: David Latham takes a look at the evolution of football fashion, most particularly player hairstyles.
THE PRE WRAP XIV: John Mosig continues his preview of the round, along with a delightful description of last night’s interpretive dancing -sorry- officiating.
CRIO’S GG’s: Mid Winter has Chris Riordan waxing poetic, and philosophic, as he contemplates the reality of holding a stake in a runner at Moonee Valley.
LOCAL FOOTY: Old Carey head a once-in-a-blue-moon logjam in the Victorian Amateurs, writes Paul Daffey.
AFL Round 13- ST KILDA v GEELONG: Despite winning the game, the Saints have been under fire this week. Particularly from you Geelong folk. David Downer seeks a right of reply, with a little reminder that this ain’t over yet.
AFL Round 13- ST KILDA v GEELONG: First time Almanacker Bryn Davies was travelling from Darwin to Jabiru whilst trying to follow Friday night’s match. He leaves no doubt as to his allegiances.
THE PRE WRAP lite: With round 14 commencing tonight, John Mosig climbs out of his hospital bed to give us some preliminary thoughts on events past and ahead.
SOCCER: Not everything about the World Cup’s conduct is pleasing Ian Syson. As an antidote, Ian takes a look at another side of the game. He recently visited Tasmania, where soccer has a long tradition, and where it seems comfortable in itself.
FLOREAT PICA SOCIETY: Tony Scully gives the black and white perspective on the win over Sydney.
HARMS: JTH is on the spot in Canberra, where he reckons the dramas of last week shouldn’t have been such a surprise. All you had to do was look at the respective participants’ sport talk to figure out what was likely to happen.
HAIKU BOB: As the Swans were broken, Haiku Bob saw the “the moon at every turn”.
BARASSI v ROSE: Ever alert to a milestone, Michael Rees celebrates the 25th anniversary of the final meeting between the two coaches involved in the historic 1970 Grand Final. He looks at a coaching rivalry which spanned many years and several clubs.
COUNTRY FOOTY: It was a big GVL clash between Shepparton United and Shepparton Swans, but Paul Branagan found it hard not to be distracted by the Perry Meka Roadshow.
UNIVERSITY CLUBS: Rocket Rod Gillett gives us a run down of the history of university footy clubs, and why they’re inclined to be a little bit different.
AFL Round 13- ST KILDA v GEELONG: Callum O’Connor was relishing both the end of term and the Friday night footy. But the Cats machine developed some rust in the rain.
UMPIRES: In a week where the umpires have been a subject discussion (isn’t that most weeks?) David Latham weighs in with a few thoughts. It’s safe to say David wasn’t subscribing to umpire appreciation week.
CRIO’S QUESTION: Chris Riordan takes his cue for the Q from an Age front page this week. Both football players and racehorses have been known to “grow another leg” in the wet. It’s time to list our favourite mudlarks of the sporting variety.
FICTION: As the Albatrosses account for cellar dwellers Dwights Mill-Barcaroo, their Past Players are facing much sterner opposition off the field. Richard Holt’s The Albatross Rules reaches chapter 17, Brothers in Arms.
AFL FUTURE FIXTURE: Tim Ivins gives us a run down of the fixture options the AFL are putting forward at the present time. Uncle Andy wants to hear from you apparently…
AFL Round 13- SYDNEY v COLLINGWOOD: From Almanac lunch, to Before The Game, to the game itself, Danni Eid is swept up in the romance of another Magpie victory.
THE VIEW FROM SHEPPARTON: Split rounds aren’t a favourite of Peter Schumacher’s. In fact, given his recent knee reco, he’s avoiding all discussion of splits on principle. Peter interrupts his recovery to give us this round’s View.
AFL Round 13- ADELAIDE v MELBOURNE: Steve Healy relates how the Demons went to Adelaide with high hopes, but were left singing the road trip blues.
AFL Round 13- ST KILDA v GEELONG: It was a performance to give the Saints heart, whilst John Butler thinks the Cats’ efforts fitted in well with a week where not everything may have been as it appeared.
FOOTY WRITING: Essendon have a week’s break, so “Rabbit” and an unexpected companion head back to Tallerack and watch a hectic world pass by. Geoff Sinclair’s Home and Away Games continues.
AFL Round13- SYDNEY v COLLINGWOOD: The Pies gave the Swans a bloody nose, whilst Josh Barnstable was nursing his own aches and pains.
AFL Round 13- ST KILDA v GEELONG: Steve Healy reports on a night where the small men (and eventually the Saints) dominated in the wet conditions.
VAFA: Rod Oaten spent the split round break at the lovely surrounds of the Woodfull-Miller Oval, watching MHSOB play Uni Blacks.
CRIO’S GG’s: The only certainty is it will be a day for mudlarks at Flemington tomorrow, reckons Chris Riordan. And don’t forget a warm coat.
LOCAL FOOTY: In June 1960 the Murray Football League achieved a rare feat when it defeated a visiting VFL side, in this case St Kilda. Paul Daffey looks back on the eve of the 50th anniversary of a glorious afternoon for country footy.
POLITICS & SPORT: Apparently they took the World Cup exit pretty hard in Canberra. But can Kevin really be blamed for Pim’s tactics against Germany? Tony Robb reckons we’ll need to look at daughters of the west in a different light. He invites your comments.
POLLIE FOOTY ALLEGIANCES: Given that we now have a prospective Doggies full forward as Prime Minister, a recent piece by David Latham on the political affiliations of various clubs takes on new significance.
RULE CHANGES: The confluence of World Cup and Masterchef has Tony Robb thinking. Here’s a degustation menu of a few sports that could use a little tinker here, a tweak there.
HOMEBUSH FOOTY: The Sydney Olympic Stadium (aka Homebush) has hosted many great sporting moments in its 11 year existence. Damian Watson runs through some of the AFL highlights the ground has witnessed.
AROUND THE GROUNDS: Steve Healy and Damien Watson complete a journey that began in last school holidays and incorporated VFL grounds of a bygone era.
AFL Round 13- CARLTON v FREMANTLE: Jill Scanlon was looking forward to a night of sport-watching last Saturday. But the Blues Roundabout upset her plans.
COMMUNITY CUP: Many Almanackers will be making their way to Elsternwick Park for the annual battle between the Rockdogs and the Megahertz. For details of this year’s Community Cup, click here.
FOOTY FICTION: Things are really hotting up at Albertville as Richard Holt presents chapter 16 of The Albatross Rules.
CRIO’S QUESTION: Buddy, Cyril and latterly Jack Riewoldt. There are some players we just love to watch no matter who they play for. Unless it’s against our team! Chris Riordan asks: who’s on your list? Let the name-dropping begin!
PIESSE BE WITH YOU: This week, Ken Piesse looks at favourite sons of the Goulburn Valley.
WORLD CUP REPORT: Dan O’Sullivan finds humour in the horror that has been Australia’s World Cup thus far.
HAIKU BOB: As winter envelops Melbourne Rob Scott give us “what’s left of the light”.
WORLD CUP REPORT: Our man on the spot in glorious Rustenburg, Tony Roberts, gives us the inside story on the Cup to date: at least when he can see his way clear of the Argentine fans.
THE WRAP XIII PT. 1: John Mosig calls it as it was for the weekend in sport. It was definitely a week to watch: Conspiracy Watch, Maggot Watch and Velvet Fog Watch, amongst many other delights.
COMMENT: It was a week in sport where certain comments seemed born of a bygone era, whilst the modern world was on marvellous display in South Africa. John Harms thinks that just because something was, doesn’t mean it must always have to be.
AFL Round13- CARLTON v FREMANTLE: The Dockers go to the break with a steadying win, while the Blues are left to assess the damage, reports John Butler.
AFL Round 13- CARLTON v FREMANTLE: Meanwhile… Tony Robb is a little less sanguine about affairs Navy Blue. He doesn’t like the smell coming from the kitchen.
AFL Round 13- HAWTHORN v ESSENDON: For Sam Duncan, it was a Friday night of music and football, as contrasting maestros demonstrated their respective talents.
AFL Round 13- NORTH MELBOURNE v PORT: Josh Barnstable caught the Waaia Express (he wishes) to Docklands to see his Roos take the points again.
FOOTY WRITING: It’s round 13, but sadly for “Rabbit”, the tenants at Huntleigh Mews seem to be packing more heat than the Bombers. Geoff Sinclair’s Home and Away Games continues.
BENDIGO FOOTY: With South Bendigo’s three Premiership teams of 1990 about to celebrate the anniversary of their triumph, Richard Jones relives the moment.
DERMIE: Dermot Brereton as the Future Of The Left? Now hang on a minute, asks Dave Latham, just hear me out!
RISING STARS: Josh Barnstable runs through the Rising star nominees for the season so far. He thinks Nic Nat has the job ahead of him in a field of strong contenders.
AFL Round 13- HAWTHORN v ESSENDON: Despite his sleeveless jumper, Mr Franklin proved the difference on the night according to Rod Oaten.
AFL Round 13- HAWTHORN v ESSENDON: Josh Barnstable was in the market for a Friday night star. As it turned out, he should have been shopping at Buddy’s.
JUNIOR PROSPECT: By chance, Danni Eid spotted an old schoolmate featured on The Footy Show. She thinks he’s a prospect to keep your eye on.
MID SEASON ASSESSMENT: With the split round upon us, the season seems to be passing in a blur. If you want to remind yourself of what has transpired so far, look no further than Josh Barnstable’s mid season wrap up of best games, players, and other highlights.
THE PRE WRAP XIII PT.1: In his look at the first part of round 13, John Mosig asks the pertinent question: since when was a draw not a “result”? And for those behind in the tipping, he may have a couple of specials for you. All that, plus proof of why ruckmen and child-proof locks don’t mix.
CRIO’S GG’s: Along with football’s split round, horse racing will also have it’s version of a winter hiatus with Sandown and Ipswitch hosting this weekend. As Chris Riordan reports, the jumps races at Sandown should maintain the theme of division, though not for all the right reasons.
BOOK REVIEW: Paul Daffey is impressed with the product of James Gilchrist’s long service leave, Wednesday Warriors: Doing it for the jumper: the St Pat’s Ballarat tradition, the story of the famous Ballarat football school.
HARMS: JTH makes it to Melbourne for the indulgence of seeing his Cats in the flesh for the first time this season. The experience proved yet again how seemingly entrenched cultures really can change after all.
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES: After his stellar efforts last Friday, many superlatives have been thrown Lindsay Thomas’ way. But as good as it was, how does this performance rate in historical terms? Paul Daffey revisits some of the outstanding home & away efforts over the decades.
COUNTRY FOOTY: Ken Piesse continues his series of favourite sons from the bush. This time we’re off to the red soil of the Wimmera for another star studded line up.
NORM SMITH SACKING: The coming round will mark the 45th anniversary of one of football’s greatest controversies: the sacking of Melbourne’s legendary coach Norm Smith. Michael Rees gives a fascinating account of this pivotal turning point for the Melbourne Football Club, including a remarkable episode of Tony Charlton’s Football Show which was broadcast in the days following the sacking.
MICK MALTHOUSE: Beware all those who enter the Temple of Mick, thinks David Latham, for to court his disfavour will bring dire consequences.
MICK MALTHOUSE: There seems to be a theme developing here. Like any teacher, Mr Malthouse has shown he has his favourites. But when they don’t include some of Danni Eid’s favs, then it’s obvious something will have to give.
WORLD CUP NEW YORK: From near and far they follow the Cup. David Mapleston reports on how some Aussie ex pats dealt with the combination of home sickness and a flogging.
AFL Round 12- RICHMOND v WEST COAST: A new chant rose among the faithful, as a new hero emerges in the tradition of a past favoured son. It would be fair to say Callum O’Connor enjoyed his Sunday at the footy.
GIGS’ STATS: In Mr Gig’s Emporia of Mathematical Minutia we find out why 76 goes better with Blue than Black & White, why AC beats DC in football terms, and why the Crows may hold the answer to world peace. Step right up for Round 12’s Stats Entertainment.
LOCAL FOOTY: Two teenagers from the Victorian Amateurs competition did their chances of being drafted no harm at all during a representative game at the weekend. If the teenage pair do get taken, the Ammos might just be looking at an era to rival the golden period of the mid-’90s, writes Paul Daffey.
FICTION: A women’s footy carnival proves a chance for Albertville redemption. Richard Holt’s The Albatross Rules reaches chapter 15, Holding The Man.
FLOREAT PICA SOCIETY: Paul Harkin draws his own conclusions about Monday’s thriller against the Demons. He also raises the important question- do opera and football mix?
WORLD CUP EXCLUSIVE: Desperate times call for desperate measures. The Socceroos’ dire situation has prompted a chain reaction of events, as the Australian sporting community scrambles to retrieve the situation. Carole Fabian reports.
CRIO’S QUESTION: Chris Riordan turns to The Clash for this week’s essential philosophical supporters’ question, “should I stay or should I go”? Do you like to “beat the traffic”? Or are you inclined to see it out to the bitter end? You gotta let him know.
THE WRAP XII: John Mosig has plenty of advice for our, ahem, “umpiring fraternity”, amongst a plethora of sage observations of the weekend past.
THE VIEW FROM SHEPPARTON: Peter Schumacher offers his perspective on a very long weekend in the world of sport.
FOOTY WRITING: A weekend by the water takes a savage toll on The Mob; almost as bad as what the Cats do to the Bombers. Meanwhile, “Rabbit” is writing love letters to a far off land.Geoff Sinclair’s Home and Away Games continues.
AFL Round 12- RICHMOND v WEST COAST: John Green can think of ten good reasons why the MCG was the place to be on Sunday.
AFL Round 12- RICHMOND v WEST COAST: It was a small but select crowd at the Almanac get together on Sunday. Daniel Jackson had to tender apologies, owing to a prior engagement, and that Ernie Dingo fella wouldn’t take the hint, but otherwise it was smooth sailing for Tiger supporters. Josh Barnstable was on the spot.
Afl Round 12- ESSENDON v GEELONG: Whilst taking in an evening of gymnastics, Dips O’Donnell was glued to the radio, where he was relieved to hear the Cats’ particular brand of football poetry hold sway against Bomber frenzy.
AFL Round 12- MELBOURNE v COLLINGWOOD: After a tough video shoot and a new ‘do, the last thing a girl’s in the mood for is a draw! An unimpressed Danni Eid reports.
AFL Round 12- MELBOURNE v COLLINGWOOD: Like a lot of us, Josh Barnstable was feeling the pinch after a big weekend of sport. But he dragged himself to the couch to watch the thriller between the Dees and the Pies.
HARMS: With the World Cup commencing, and Wimbeldon and the British Open golf in the offing, JTH is licking his lips at the prospect of the greatest Pommy pillaging since the Vikings figured out how to build boats.
WORLD CUP GAME 3- ARGENTINA v NIGERIA: John Butler is hoping the Maradona/Messi combination can take Argentina deep into the tournament. They just might prove to be the hottest entertainment double in town.
OVERSEAS FOOTY: In the USA, you have to travel to wherever a game is on offer. David Mapleston’s NYC Magpies journeyed to Philadelphia to tackle the bruisers from Baltimore.
AFL Round 12- NORTH MELBOURNE v CARLTON: John Butler watched the Roos demonstrate that they still know how to shine under Friday night lights, if they’re given the chance.
AFL Round 12- NORTH MELBOURNE v CARLTON: Josh Barnstable had his train issues, but the Roos had little trouble finding the right track home against the Blues.
VAFA: It was Ladies Day at Gillon Oval, as James Gilchrist watched North Old Boys take on Whitefriars in a crucial match.
MICHAEL GLEESON BOOK: After entertaining everyone at the last Almanac lunch at the All Nation’s Hotel, Michael Gleeson’s Cakewalk, the story of Collingwood’s drought breaking 1990 premiership is now released. An excerpt is available here.
WORLD CUP PREVIEW: Domenic Favata looks at Group G, the “Group of Death”, where some favoured teams might not make it through.
COMMENT: We’ve had Karmichael and Israel, so who’s next? Dolph and Natasha? Daniel O’Sullivan has some entertaining reservations about AFL’s quest for the Final Frontier.
VFL: In days of yore, there were few clashes more anticipated than Port Melbourne vs Williamstown. New Almanacker Chris Montgomery gives us an update from the gritty terraces of Gellibrand.
THE PRE WRAP XII: As usual, John Mosig is callin’ ‘em as he sees ‘em, with a selection of Dennis Cometti’s greatest hits for good measure.
GIGS’ STATS: In this week’s Mathematical Imaginarium, Deepak Gigacz sets off in search of perfect equilibrium, shows you how 100 = 67, and uncovers the missing link between the World Cup and the Eurovision Song Contest, plus more essentials for better living.
LOCAL FOOTY: The compromised drafts of the next few years have forced AFL recruiters to cast their nets into local waters, writes Paul Daffey.
CLUB ALLEGIANCES: At such tender age are great decisions made… Stephen George had early experience of the perils and pitfalls of changing allegiances, but he’s lived to tell the tale.
EULOGY: Vic Rowlands was the senior master at Beechworth High when Terry Bartel was a cheeky student — and dynamic sportsman. Here Vic recalls some of his favourite memories of his friend who died recently.
FOOTY DATES: Calling all Almanackers … Tim Ivins taps into our growing community and invites footy-lovers to meet at the ground.
ARROGANCE: Andrew Fithall would like to make it clear that not every Collingwood supporter is arrogant. Some- like him – aspire to arrogance, but fear disaster lurking around every corner. Those Cats supporters on the other hand…
BOOK LAUNCH: Almanacker Cheryl Critchley is launching her book Our Footy: Real Fans vs Big Bucks at the Londern Tavern in Richmond, on Thursday 17th June. Kevin Sheedy will be guest speaker. Further details are available here.
JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT: Dutch football club Ajax have a junior academy that makes our local efforts pale by comparison.
CODE CONVERTS: One from the Almanac archives. With all this talk of swapping codes, the Almanac’s Stephen Cooke simply says “been there done that”. Although he did find it a bit of a squeeze.
HARMS: To put a slightly different spin on the AFL’s NRL recruit issue, JTH recalls his own experience leaping the sporting fence, and adds his thoughts on the prospects of code transplants.
HAIKU WORLD CUP: Are you a fan of Haiku Bob? Ever fancied having a go at writing your own haiku? A soccer fan? Then the Almanac’s own master of verse has the perfect opportunity for you. HB explains the concept behind the Haiku World Cup, and provides a link to get you started.
POETRY: Given Wayne Carey’s recent Hall Of Fame induction, Tim Pekin is moved to verse to recount the rise and fall of a Kangaroo King
WORLD CUP PREVIEW: Domenic Favata looks at Group E, where he expects orange shirts to figure prominently.
FOOTY WRITING: Like his Bombers, the weather looms large in “Rabbit” Schofield’s week at Huntleigh Mews. Geoff Sinclair’s Home and Away Games reaches Round 11.
FOOTY TIPPING: Anthea Abell would like to give you a tip. Whatever you do, don’t forget to put your tips in!
RIVERINA FOOTY: David Ogilvy and friends spent a highly sociable day at the football in Lake Cargelligo, in the northern reaches of the Riverina, where a full tank is an asset in more ways than one.
COUNTRY FOOTY: Over three decades, Richard Jones was witness to the formative professional years of several high profile media personalities. He no doubt knows the location of a skeleton or two. Here, Richard runs through a list of familiar names (some very familiar).
WORLD CUP PREVIEW: Domenic Favata gives his assessment of Group D, Australia’s group. He isn’t expecting any fairytales this time around.
NRL RECRUITS/GWS- Sam Duncan provides a thoughtful look at the wider challenges facing the AFL’s great West Sydney project.
AFL’s NRL RECRUITS: The signing of two NRL stars as highly paid recruits for the AFL’s expansion teams has prompted an avalanche of comment. As Tony Robb points out, perhaps the most relevant point will be whether they can play or not. He offers some pros and cons.
HUMOUR: In light of recent debate concerning mid-season drafts and cross-code defections, Jason Feldman holds his own version of a draft. The results may surprise…
LOCAL FOOTY: Yellow and black! On the day that the Tigers triumphed in Adelaide, Paul Daffey sees their cousins from the other end of Richmond find plenty to sing about.
TENNIS: As Sam Stosur goes one better against Serena Williams, Andrew Gigacz feels compelled to give free-to-air networks a second serve.
COUNTRY FOOTY: Mourners flocked to Beechworth to see off local sporting legend Terry Bartel, writes Paul Daffey.
COUNTRY FOOTY: Ken Piesse moves a little closer to town this week for his Favourite Sons of the Bush series. We visit the Mornington Peninsula, home to the legendary John Coleman and countless other stars.
LOCAL FOOTY:The Goulburn Valley league has emerged from its purple haze to win the Victorian country crown, writes Paul Daffey.
GIGS’ STATS: In this week’s instalment of mathematical mayhem, two-two’s a no no, eight-eight’s great, and don’t even mention nine-nine. Andrew Gigacz takes us into a world of duplication dichotomy for Round 9 of Stats Entertainment.
FOOTY TIPPING: Never make the mistake of thinking a tipping comp is only about the tips.Bernard Whimpress introduces us to the community which revolves around his particular tipping competition.
NT FOOTY: Tavis Perry found the football season on Elcho Island surprising and inspirational in many ways
NSW FOOTY: Jack Dean rucked against Jack Dyer, and has an involvement with the game that goes through to the present day. “Rocket” Rod Gillett tells the story of a true prince of interstate footy.
COMMENT: In view of Mr Akermanis’ comments this week, the thoughts of Phil Dimitriadis, penned a couple of years ago, seem all too appropriate.
BOOK LAUNCH: Last weekend, Tony Ward shared an excerpt from his book Sport in Australian National Identity: Kicking Goals. This weekend, Tony gives us an insight into the process behind the book’s publication and launch.
WAAIA: The Waaia U 17’s haven’t won since 2008. But, as Josh Barnstable reports, victory is only ever a game away.
HAIKU BOB: Autumn turns to Winter, as Haiku Bob brings us “the air crisps“.
FUNNY TEAMS: What do you do if you have some spare time? If you’re Steve Healy, you select sides according to month of birth. All twelve months. Steve, you make Gigs proud.
LOCAL FOOTY: Darren Dawson reports on footy developments in the Williamstown area, from which it is hoped wider lessons may be learned.
LOCAL FOOTY: Changes at Brunswick’s Gillon Oval give grounds for thought, writes Paul Daffey.
FOOTY HISTORY: Who are football’s founders? The debate continues. In this fascinating piece of historical archaeology, author Tony Ward offers some new candidates for consideration.
