Hello Reader,

Paul here.

The parklands surrounding the MCG are now known as Yarra Park. But when I was boy, they were not described in terms of anything so grand.

In those days, the lovely green space spreading north from the Northern Stand, a space occupied by gentle slopes and ancient gums, was known as the MCG Car Park. Or at least that's how I knew it.

During the 1970s, before almost every Richmond home game, my father would bundle one or two brothers and me into our car, together with his TAA airline bag (now worth millions in a vintage shop), the contents of which would be a Thermos featuring the logo of every League club, a few sandwiches and his brown radio, which was roughly the size of a brick.

We would pick up Nana from her flat in Ascot Vale. (Occasionally, Pop would also come, but he was a strange one because we never knew who he barracked for.) Eventually, we'd head along Victoria Parade, turn into Clarendon Street and, without a thought to the contrary, enter the grounds of the MCG Car Park.

After the match, Dad would walk towards the car carrying the airline bag in one hand and cradling his brown radio in the crook of the other arm. He would listen with intent as the voices of 3KZ commentators Jack Dyer and Ian Major were set forth into the car park. We kids would slope along, hands in our pockets, grumbling about Dad's weird rule that we were not allowed to bring our footy because it might "get scuffed".

These days, parking in Yarra Park is extremely limited. Most of us catch the train or tram to the footy. Many fans wear headphones. There are no large, brown radios in sight.

Next Sunday, 16 August, a new adventure begins in Yarra Park when I take the first Footy Fever walking tour for Seniors in Melbourne. In subsequent weeks, I will take a tour of 90 minutes every weekend until the end of the season (see schedule early in the week).

I will talk about the first game of Australian football (which was held in Yarra Park, then known as Richmond Paddock). I will talk about the statues of Norm Smith and Jim Stynes.

I will not, however, describe the lovely grounds, with their green grass and stately gums, as a car park. Those days are past. We look forward to new experiences together.

👉 Book your spot on the Footy Fever walking tour​

Enjoy your week,

Paul

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• ​Ngarn Wa’ngal: Art of the Gum Tree (until 21 Nov 2026). This major free exhibition explores the cultural, environmental and artistic significance of the eucalypt through more than 160 historical and contemporary works. Featuring renowned artists including Arthur Boyd, Albert Namatjira, Vincent Namatjira and Christian Thompson, alongside new commissions created for the exhibition. The Potter Museum of Art, Parkville. Free entry.​
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• ​Planting (1 – 30 Aug 2026). Join a month-long series of free community planting events that help restore local landscapes, waterways and biodiversity across Melbourne. Guided by local environmental groups, each event also features cultural activities such as Smoking Ceremonies, nature walks, botanical drawing, music and workshops, making it a rewarding way to connect with nature and the community.

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