The NSL is alive and thriving

As someone who first tasted NSL football at a boistrous North Sydney Oval on a Friday evening back in 1999 as Northern Spirit went down to a single goal defeat, my connection with the former national competition was brief. What I do remember though was the earthy atmosphere at those games and how low-key someContinue reading “The NSL is alive and thriving”

2022 : A year in football pictures

The footballing year has come to an end, here’s a brief look back on the year in a few slideshows of photos from my phone. The number of these photos taken in wild weather is testament to the crazy conditions we’ve faced as supporters, players and referees this year. I’ve attended a 30-game season ofContinue reading “2022 : A year in football pictures”

Anna Black : our next Matildas superstar

If the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is not yet on your radar, it’s time you grabbed your copy of Anna Black – This Girl Can Play. Once you’ve read it, you’ll be gutted that it’s all over, but super-excited for the real thing, coming to our shores in real-life in just over a year’sContinue reading “Anna Black : our next Matildas superstar”

Matildas close shave in Canberra

A second football trip in five days, and another new check-in app for the phone as we headed interstate to the nation’s capital to support Australia’s favourite sporting team in another clash with close neighbours and friendly rivals New Zealand. The Matildas got the job done early in this one, and went on cruise control,Continue reading “Matildas close shave in Canberra”

Magnificent mini Matildas Active

One night in Townsville and the world’s your oyster! The beautiful North Queensland coast welcomed international women’s football to its fantastic new stadium and showed the locals and those from near and far just what we’re in for during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Welcoming venues, hot and sunny conditions and a fabulous liveContinue reading “Magnificent mini Matildas Active”

Football can be United

After a hiatus in 2021, the Football Writers Festival 2022 was a major event in the diary of any football writer, fan or anyone with an interest in the Australian game. Not only a forum to present new authors and to discuss books, the festival has quickly become a way of sharing ideas, and thisContinue reading “Football can be United”

Did 2021 do it for you…?

If we don’t grab our opportunities while we can, we’ll be commenting at the end of every year to come with “thank god that’s over … ” Whilst we’ve all been through the Covid ringer this year, with normality disrupted, travel restrictions imposed and everyday events cancelled, this year has still seen some remarkable milestonesContinue reading “Did 2021 do it for you…?”

Matildas’ Newcastle love-in

A swift opportunity to restore some pride after the dismantling on Saturday, the Matildas rode their luck and cashed in some more to sneak a draw in front of an adoring crowd in Newcastle. This was as wholesome a footballing experience as you can get, and everyone in attendance enjoyed the evening’s entertainment. To getContinue reading “Matildas’ Newcastle love-in”

Books and marketing

So, you’ve realised your dream and your book has been picked up by a publisher. You’re eagerly awaiting the release, finally getting your hands on the printed version, the result of months of re-reading, editing, smoothing of edges and many last-minute changes of heart about a character’s name or the colour of their shirt. TheContinue reading “Books and marketing”