Friday @ The Almanac

Entries for the Furphy Literary Award 2026 are now open.
Click HERE for details.

 

Register on the Almanac site and receive our e-newsletter.

 

You can contact editor John Harms directly:  [email protected]
Or sms: 0417 635030.

Twitter (or whatever it is): @thefootyalmanac   Facebook: The Footy Almanac

 

Copyright remains with individual authors and creators. Inquiries via email HERE.The opinions contained in posts are those of the author. They are not opinions of Malarkey Publications and www.footyalmanac.com.au

 

https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/59570-2/

Almanac Poetry: ‘Pizza in Lucca’ – James Walton

February 13, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Eating pizza is like a footy match suggests James Walton as he recalls, in verse, a wonderful pizza he enjoyed in Lucca, Italy.

Almanac Golf: Part 1 – Building a golf course: how to

February 13, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Tony Moffat recalls his younger days, his interest in golf, and assisting his local community in the development of a new golf course.

Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 14: ‘Back in Brisbane – Hometown Shocker’ and Episode 15: ‘Excursions to Sydney and Melbourne’

February 13, 2026 by Leave a Comment

The next instalments in Dave Goodwin’s ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’ series reveal more inconsistencies in Herb Barkle’s progress in the ring. An unexpected defeat at home is followed by a great win in Sydney.

Almanac Cricket: The Sheffield Shield fixtures are back

February 12, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Dan Hoban reviews last week’s three Sheffield Shield matches and tips the Vics will win the Shield this season.

Almanac Footy Tipping: The 2026 comps – all in one place

February 12, 2026 by 1 Comment

It’s time to get your footy tipping sorted for 2026. You can do it all at once here. AFL, Tip the Top 8 and NRL. Links are all included in this post.

Almanac Footy: North Melbourne 2026 season preview

February 12, 2026 by 1 Comment

Micky McTigger isn’t sure that North Melbourne has their player list quite right for 2026 but that old Shinboner spirit might make up for some of the shortfalls.

2026 NRL – And away we go!

February 12, 2026 by 5 Comments

Rugby League is back in earnest on Sunday with the annual Indigenous v Maori clashes headlining the first weekend of ‘serious’ competition. Here’s what’s ahead in 2026.

Almanac Life: A Shout Out To The Reverential

February 11, 2026 by 1 Comment

Ian Wilson gives a shout-out to the ‘reverentials’: those people he has met who have left a lasting impression.

Almanac Book Review – Hanif Abdurraqib, The Year’s Best Sports Writing 2025

February 11, 2026 by 1 Comment

Braham Dabscheck previews ‘The Year’s Best Sports Writing 2025’ edited by Hanif Abdurraqib and is impressed with the quality of the writing and the stories of the featured sports and athletes contained in the book. Braham thoroughly recommends the book.

Almanac Cricket – T20 World Cup: Some preliminary thoughts from the new ACS Scholar Liam Grima

February 11, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Liam Grima is the Australian Cricket Society Scholar for 2026. In his first piece, he wonders how Steve Smith is not playing in the T20 World Cup.

Almanac Footy History: The First State of Origin Football Game – Changi POW Camp January 1943

February 10, 2026 by 3 Comments

The first State of Origin Aussie Rules football match occurred in the Changi POW Camp in 1943 states ‘Grand Final History’ (Kieran Magee) as he examines the historical facts behind the occasion in his in-depth account of the event.

Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 12: ‘Walker – High Anticipation’ and Episode 13: ‘The Fates Intervene’

February 10, 2026 by 2 Comments

Always looking to move ahead, Herb Barkle took on a highly anticipated fight with the well-credentialed Mickey Walker in Sydney. But what is boxing without a bit of controversy? The result received a mixed response!

Almanac Footy: Melbourne 2026 season preview

February 9, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Shakeups at Gosch’s Paddock with many big names gone from the Melbourne list, but some handy additions may prove helpful in the short term, suggests Micky McTigger.

Almanac Swimming: Definitely a win

February 9, 2026 by 4 Comments

Sheralee Menz recounts youthful swims narrated by discipline and punctuated by Bush Biscuits. The laps of the past are still paying off today.

Almanac Poetry: To Die

February 9, 2026 by 4 Comments

This poem from Kevin Densley, from his just-published collection, Isle Full of Noises (Ginninderra Press), deals with different ways condemned criminals have responded to their last moments on earth.

‘Kitch’ and Higgins – bookmaking in the 60s

February 9, 2026 by 1 Comment

Pestwac (Tony Moffat) returns with more tales from the betting ring in days gone by. ‘Kitch’ had a thing about horses ridden by Roy Higgins.

Almanac Footy: Will the AFL State of Origin work in 2026?

February 7, 2026 by 2 Comments

With the 2026 AFL State of Origin squads announced and the banter starting up, Richard Marlow wants to weigh in with his humble opinion.

Almanac Footy: Hawthorn 2026 season preview

February 7, 2026 by 3 Comments

There are good vibes about Hawthorn and their prospects in 2026. Mickey McTigger tells us why.

Almanac Writing: The Furphy Literary Award 2026 (Entries now open, and close April 30)

February 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Entries in The Furphy Literary Award 2026 opened on Feb 1 and close on April 30. It’s time to prepare your story for submission. [Almanac writers are very well suited to this competition – Ed]

Almanac Basketball: Not Bad Thanks Basketball Club – ‘Giving it heaps’

February 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment

‘Giving it heaps’ is the playing mantra of the Not Bad Thanks basketball team as Graeme Willingham explains in his update of the team’s progress this season.