Vietnam Swans

Dave “Angry” Hadley and winner of this season’s Captain’s Award, reports on last Saturday’s Swannies’ End of Season function held at Danny and Jo Armstrong’s pad in Saigon.

Some of the crowd at last Saturday's End of Season function

Players, Saigon Shooters, Families, Friends, Children, Sponsors, Santa, Spouses and Louses were just some of the dignitaries that showed up to the Vietnam Swans 2009 Christmas Party. What a bbq it was too, with many food groups jostling to take out best food of the day. The meat pies around dinner came a strong first, with the ribs and the smorgasbord coming a close second. The drinks came third, with the punch packing a… well, punch.. and the beer, wine and ‘other’ category keeping the crowds in high spirits.

I was extremely excited to hit the pool after the last party at the Armstrong’s house. Nothing better than having a drink in the pool, getting it full of chlorine from the children and Gus dive bombing you. This time there was no chance as there were too many people conversing. What an exciting bunch of people that attended, all very active in the Vietnam community. I found myself sweating and talking, listening attentively to the various projects the guests had going on. I could not get to the pool until about 7pm when the guests started to thin out. The bbq went on until late with the last few revellers rumoured to have left around 2am.

Can I hear a round of applause for the fantastic hosts, Danny and Jo Armstrong please. *pauses for applause*. Not only did they provide the house, the pool, the entertainment and the undying love, but they were the most gracious hosts for the entire bbq. I will remember Danny, sweating profusely, passing through the crowd with daughter in tow, giving out pies with sauce. What a family.

The official part of the day started with something being evident after an hour. The speeches went on too long. It would not be the Vietnam Swans without long speeches, its what we do. Matt Townsend was the master of ceremonies, using his quick wit to charm the crowd. He would then reappear as… Fanta Plaus (name cleverly changed in case children are reading this blog). Fabbo did one of his legendary speeches and he did not disappoint, taking the crowd over the magnificent year the Swans have had in 2009. Derrin, Fleur from the Saigon Shooters netball team and Danny all gave speeches.

National Prez, Fabbo, presents Gus an award that recognises him for being the longest active serving Swannie's player. In history!

Awards? There were a few, most notable ones listed below. There is only one award in this writers eyes. The biggest award goes to the entire Vietnam Swans football team for having the most special and amazing 2009. Give yourselves a round of applause, you have definitely made a huge difference to any team or community that has crossed your runaway path this year.

Awards:

• Players’ Player – Danny “Monkey” Monk
• Best Club Man – Derrin “Dezza” Limbrick
• Captain’s Award – David “Angry” Hadley
• Most Improved – Jerry Jerry Jerry

The following two players received awards for 5 years of active service (the “5 Year Participation Certificates”) to the Club:

• Gus “G Train” McEwin
• Phil “Fabbo” Johns

For more photos, also courtesy of Angry Dave, click on the Vietnam Swans Web Album.

Chris “Snags” Canty played for the Hanoi Swans in March 2006 when we claimed our first ever international scalp; the Jakarta Bintangs.

Today, on Facebook, Snags has posted a story from Potosi, Bolivia, with a photo of him handballing a footy. Snags makes the big claim, “Probably the highest handball in history. 4090 metres above sea level.”

Editor’s Note: With Snags’ skills, probably the highest hospital handball in history.

Awards announced!

Yesterday, the Vietnam Swans held our end of season function in District 2. Approximately 80 people attended including former President of the Swans in Hanoi, Potsy, Shane Bezzanto (Hanoi Swan in 2004) and Boris, currently a Lao Elephant, who will move to Saigon next month. We also had our sponsors attend.

The Club’s awards were also presented. Winners were:

• Players’ Player – Danny “Monkey” Monk
• Best Club Man – Derrin “Dezza” Limbrick
• Captain’s Award – David “Angry” Hadley
• Most Improved – Jerry Jerry Jerry

In addition, the following two players received awards for 5 years of active service (the “5 Year Participation Certificates”) to the Club:

• Gus “G Train” McEwin
• Phil “Fabbo” Johns

Thanks to the Glove, Matt Townsend, for being MC as well as ensuring that the kids got to see Santa.

Thanks to Danny, Jo and family for opening up your house for the function.

More to follow, including photos.

Following Hanoi President Potsy’s relocation to somewhere just outside Saigon, Hanoi has had a spill of positions. Former Coach, Willy was elected President. Stanno was elected Coach of the north. National President, Phil “Fabbo” Johns spreads the word.

Willy

To Willy and Stanno,

On behalf of all the Vietnam Swans:

• Congratulations to Willy, former Hanoi Coach, on becoming the new Hanoi President of the Vietnam Swans

• Congratulations to Stanno on becoming the new Hanoi Coach of the Vietnam Swans

Willy played in the then Hanoi Swans our first ever match back in 2003. He then returned to Australia for a short while before the irresistible lure of Hanoi brought him back. Nobody would disagree that “Willy or Won’t He” (He already has…) is somewhat passionate about his footy and the Swannies. He’s been a keen tourer, he’s been the coach of the Swannies in Hanoi and, over the last 15 months, has driven the Auskick program for school kids in Hanoi. And of course, yesterday, he became a father for the first time. Seemingly, he’s done everything.

Stanno is a relatively new recruit for the Swannies. He played his first international in August of this year against Lao in the Craig Senger Memorial match – and immediately made a big impression on the field. A fortnight ago, he made his first international tour for the Swannies travelling to Bangkok for the Indochina Cup. Again, he was a great contributor on and off the field and will be a very popular choice as coach.

All of the Vietnam Swans wish you luck and offer as much support as we can in building the Club in Hanoi.

To Potsy, the outgoing Hanoi President who has a new job near Saigon, thanks for all your efforts – and stay involved with the Club! Given you’re involved with the Hotel that will be hosting next year’s Miss World pageant, then, we’re all expecting our second photo shoot with a Miss Australia (or any Miss for that matter). Are you hearin’ us, Potsy??

Thanks again, Potsy.

Congratulations again to Willy and Stanno. And good luck!

Regards, Fabbo

Two weeks ago, the Saigon Shooters Netball Club toured with the Vietnam Swans to Bangkok to take on the Thailand Tigers Netball Club in their own Indochina Cup. Below, Fleur Gamble, President of the Saigon Shooters, and Committee member of the Vietnam Swans, reports on the weekend.

The Saigon Shooters - very pleased with their first ever international tour!

Since it’s inception in September 2009, the Saigon Shooters netball club has done nothing but fly! With a huge 19 ladies turning up for the very first training session the ball was sent rolling swiftly into the future from there.

On average 15-20 ladies front training every Wednesday night at the local Australian International School (AIS) in District 2 for an hour and half of fitness, ball skills and game play which is undertaken at various levels.

Our first and most significant success, aside from the club’s popularity, was our recent jaunt to the Indochina Cup in Bangkok. Our two teams of girls came kitted out in some fancy Fair Fashion uniforms and we were ready to play.

The Thailand Tigers, who fronted our two teams, were impressed by our tight and fast game. Both Shooters’ teams had successful wins against the Tigers.

Awesome shots were going in from all around the D from our amazing Shooters Kelsey, Paula, Cathy and Carrie. Hard work was represented in the centre court with a few new players really showing how far they have come since September. Most notably Bridget and Andrea in Wing Defence weren’t letting their opponents near the ball and new to the game, Rachel, was all over her Goal Keeping Position. Some of our most experienced girls did what they do best with Claire and Emma owning the ball all over the court – so much so they didn’t even need their team mates for some amazing skills.

Our height and strength was well recognised with Roz, Helen, Tracy and Fleur in Goal Defence. A special mention to our very well prepared Captains Lizzie and Keryn, who had plays, positions and sub options galore for each team to try out.

All in all the tour was a huge success on and off the court. We took home the Indochina Cup and we have certainly made friends for life. It’s onwards and upwards for us now with plans for a 5 team comp, tournament hosting and more touring in the works for 2010.

As we say in our camp “Shooters Fly”. Here’s looking to a flying future for us all at the Shooters and at our sister Club the Vietnam Swans!!

The Vietnam Swans can hold their heads high after the Indochina Cup a fortnight ago.

Last week, National President, Phil “Fabbo” Johns sent the following email to those Swannies who played in the Indochina Cup in Bangkok.

Hi Indochina Cup Tourers

Well, each of us were there when it mattered last week in Bangkok when the Vietnam Swans played in the 3rd Annual Indochina Cup. Thanks to everyone on the tour.

The Swannies have had an amazing year this year – because we have guys who contribute on and off the field and make it happen. Apart from the home matches, this year, we have played 4 away matches (Kanchanaburi, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Bangkok) which makes us a very active Club in the region.

Special mentions I would like to make are:

• Sam Conroy – 1st International tour
• Josh Little – 1st International tour
• The Juke Box (Derrin’s mate) – Visitor’s first match for the Swannies
• Jeremy (Rhys’ mate) – Visitor’s first match for the Swannies

Welcome to the international tour to each of you and I trust that you had a sensational time that will ensure that you become active members and tourers of the Swannies. For the two visitors, Juke Box and Jeremy, great to have you join us.

A particularly special mention to:

• Scott Beasley, a Swannie who previously lived in Saigon
• Rhys Stephens, a Swannie who previously lived in Saigon

It is a great reflection on the Club that these two guys, who helped build the Club, would want to set their holidays around a Swannies footy match. Testament to the power of our Club’s culture, prior to last Saturday, there was only a handful of faces that these two guys knew from when they were playing. Their presence was gold and, as expected, the way that the current generation of players made them feel so welcome was awesome. Hopefully, we will see a growing number of ex players returning for the occasional tour.

And!!

Greg “Stanno” from Hanoi who was on his his first ever international tour for the Swannies. Fantastic to see Stanno there keeping the Hanoi link alive (with Paul Schwedt) and dominating both on and off the field. In addition, we need to wish Stanno a big congratulations because, earlier in the week, he was elected Coach of Hanoi. Fantastic effort, Stanno. You will be gold in that position. (a separate email will go out shortly announcing Willy’s election to the President’s position in Hanoi (congratulations, Willy!) following Potsy’s relocation to Saigon).

Great effort by everyone.

Saigon Shooters Netball Team

And finally, congratulations to our committee member, Fleur, who did such a stunning job with firing up the Saigon Shooters netball team for such a massively successful tour. Awesome effort.

See below for photos and Angry’s post match report.

Well done Swannies. Again.

Fabbo

The Vietnam Swans from last weekend's Indochina Cup in Bangkok

Below, is the match report from the Thailand Tigers re last weekend’s Indochina Cup, including match results.

The Thailand Tigers are Indochina Cup Champions for 2009!

In bright sunshine at Patana sports grounds, the opening game of the ICC saw Vietnam too strong for a determined Laos outfit and the Tigers soon realised who would be their chief opposition to beat.

Noodles, coaching Thailand for the first time prepared his troops with an address to remember.

Game 2 saw the Tigers take on Laos.

The tournaments special guest, former Richmond star Dale (The Flea) Weightman played 5 minutes for all 3 sides but had his biggest impact for the Tigers early in this game. Soon after the opening siren he weaved his magic, assisting in three goals as the Tigers romped away with a convincing win.

The final round robin game saw a dour struggle between the Tigers and the Swans. The first half was a tough arm-wrestle with Vietnam threatening to get on top and the Tigers keeping them at bay with some hard earned goals. However the Tigers incessant pressure and unrelenting team oriented football, saw the game crack open in the second half. Thailand, playing some fine football, marched away the win and claimed the title.

Though the Tigers were victorious in both their round robin matches, the Laos Elephants and the Vietnam Swans particularly were tough opposition during the day and it was a victory to savour. It was a tremendous team effort by all players. Coach Noodles and skipper JRex held the trophy with pride as Thailand maintained its unbeaten run on home soil over the past two years.

Congratulations to all those who participated in what was an excellently organised and extremely enjoyable tournament. There are many people to thank for their efforts in making the 2009 ICC such a success and to those involved, please know that the club hugely appreciates it.

Results were as follows (Tigers goal kickers only):

Game 1: Vietnam v Laos

Vietnam 9 – 8 – 62

Laos 1 – 1 – 7

Game 2: Thailand v Laos

Thailand 11 – 7 – 73

Laos 3 – 0 – 18

Thailand Goals:

JRex 5, Ando 1, Bags 1, Cranners 1, Lloydy 1, Mango 1, Yoda 1

Game 3: Thailand v Vietnam

Thailand 8 – 4 – 52

Vietnam 3 – 3 – 21

To see photos of last weekend’s tournament, click here for the Vietnam Swans Web Album.

Photos of the 2009 Indochina Cup in Bangkok last weekend between the Thailand Tigers, Lao Elephants and Vietnam Swans are now available.

There is also a photo of the ex AFLer, the Flea, Dale Weightman, and photos of the netball tournament which between two teams from the Saigon Shooters and one team from Thailand.

More photos are being loaded onto the Vietnam Swans Photo Album in the next 24 hours.

UPDATE, 4 December 2009. New photos are posted! Click here.

The Vietnam Swans after the 2009 Indochina Cup

Vietnam Swan, David Hadley reports on last Saturday’s Indochina Cup in Bangkok between Vietnam, Thailand and Lao.

The Vietnam Swans travelled to Thailand last weekend to partake in the 3rd Annual Indochina Cup alongside the Lao Elephants and the Thailand Tigers. Coming along for the adventure were two Vietnam Shooters netball teams. This made for a very simple formula. One football team + two netball teams + Bangkok = Long, messy weekend. If you add in the Fine master and fine mistress, Dale Weightman and colourful characters like “Jukebox”, this equation becomes a given.

Enough with the maths lesson and over to the football. First up was Vietnam vs Lao. Vietnam did not take the recent loss to Lao in the Asian Champs lightly. In fact the Swans were full of spite and rage. Have you ever seen a flock of Swans charge at a herd of elephants? Unlikely. But imagine it was possible. The Vietnam Swans came out strong. With the best centrelines assembled this year, the ball was quick to enter the forward line repeatedly. The centreline of JD, Monkey, Dukes and Heath seemed to have a special connection. It’s like they work at the same International School and see each other every day (Ed’s note: Unbelievable but true!). That’s as improbable as a flock of Swans charging a herd of elephants though.

Danny Armstrong became a focal point at Full Forward and kicked many goals. Gus was making a point at centre half forward, the main one being he wants to play there more often. Whilst he played very well, no one wants to see Gus happy, so he will be back in the backline next season. The whole team jelled and we won quite convincingly. There was no ‘i’ in Vetnam Swans that game, only great teamwork.

The second game was against the much fancied Thailand Tigers. Earlier in the year we faced each other for the ANZAC Day game in Kanchanaburi and the scoreboard was not something that was talked about afterwards. Knowing this, the Tigers gave us ex AFL player, Dale Weightman for 5 minutes in the first half. The ‘flea’ played 275 games for the Richmond Tigers, won a premiership and was state captain of Victoria for 2 years in the State Of Origin. Little did he know how difficult Asian Football is – although he did a goal assist for Dukes, a Flea devotee, which fulfilled a childhood dream of his.

The Swans started strongly, matching the Tigers goal for goal. The Vietnam Shooters had just won their Cup and came over to the footy oval for added support. After fighting hard and valiantly, the Swans went down 52-21. A few straighter kicks would have given the Swans the fluff in their feathers to come home strongly. We won a few hearts over that afternoon and a lot of respect for ourselves.

Fabbo made his 14th long, moving speech of the year after the game. This was a special day for Fabbo, he reached his 50th long, moving speech for his career. Congrats Fabbo. Monkey celebrated second best player of the tournament, gaining a lot of possessions once Kelsey came along to watch.

After an eventful ride home back to Bangkok, the celebrations began with the Shooters showing the footballers a thing or two about partying. All the teams got together for a charity auction in Bangkok with the ‘flea’ being auctioneer. The stories from that night will be told for years to come, but you are getting none out of me. Remember kiddies, “What happens on the football/netball trip, stays on the football/netball trip.”

The Vietnam Swans got up at 11am on Sunday morning for the Matty ‘FineMaster Flash’ Townsend show. After two hours of fines, the only thing ending the show was the need to get to the airport.

And so, while that ends the season for the Vietnam Swans in terms of matches, there’s still lots more to come in 2009:

• 12 December, End of Season BBQ, Saigon
• 28 December, Test Cricket, MCG, Melbourne
• 29 December, the 5th Annual Vietnam Swans Golf Day, Melbourne.

Contact vietnamswans@gmail.com for further information and to register your interest in attending.

PS Photos hopefully coming very soon of the Indochina Cup.

The Thailand Tigers have won the Indochina Cup beating both the Lao Eelephants and the Vietnam Swans.

The Vietnam Swans were runners up beating the Lao Elephants.

More to follow. Read the rest of this entry »

Vietnam Swans National President, Phil Johns, sends out an update 24 hours before the 3rd Indochina Cup kicks off in Bangkok.

Dear Swannies, Sponsors and Supporters

Stop Press: Indochina Cup Draw announced!!

• Game 1 – Lao Elephants Vs Vietnam Swans
  Game 2 – Thailand Tigers Vs Lao Elephants
  Game 3 – Thailand Tigers Vs Vietnam Swans

The 3rd Annual Indochina Cup, Bangkok, 28 November 2009

Sam Grigg goes for the mark in the inaugural Indochina Cup in Hanoi, November 2007

Remember the inaugural Indochina Cup back in Hanoi in November 2007 between the Thailand Tigers, the Lao Elephants and the newly formed Vietnam Swans – which Thailand ultimately won?

Former Hanoi Swans President, Daryl Taber wrote in his column, Taber Talk:

It was a weekend of milestones; the international debut of the Lao Elephants (with 5 Irish lads who they picked up at the airport!), the first combined footy/netball Tri Nations Cup in Vietnam,` Rooster’s appearance in his 18th international guernsey Fish’s final appearance as the Thailand Tigers’ Coach and we raised $280 for charity as part of the Mo-Vember campaign.

It was also Daryl’s farewell match for the Swannies.

In 2008, the Tri Nations Cup was rebadged as the Indochina Cup and was played in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, between the Cambodian Kangas, Thailand, Lao (eventual winners) and the Swannies. It was a massive send off for Saigon President of the Swannies, Scotty Stacey. In the post match report, then Captain Gus McEwin wrote the following:

Match Day was a beautiful sunny day of about 40 degrees in the shade… A cracking tour which will go down in history as one of our best.

Tomorrow, we will play in the 3rd Annual Indochina Cup in Bangkok. The Swannies shall front against the Thailand Tigers (who we played in the ANZAC Day Match earlier in the year) and the Lao Elephants (who we played in the Craig Senger Tribute Match earlier in the year). Further, Saigon’s newly formed Saigon Shooters’ Netball Team will take on Thailand’s and Lao’s netball teams.

But the big question is, having lost Club Giants Taber and Stacey in the two previous Indochina Cups, will the Vietnam Swans Farewell Club lose anyone else at this year’s Cup? No! In fact, for one match only, we welcome back Scott Beasley (Saigon, 2007-2008), Rhys Stephens (Saigon, 2008) and Paul Schwerdt (on and off in Hanoi for the past couple of years).

Rabbit Season has already started for the Fine Master, Matt Townsend

Meanwhile, one day out from the official commencement of the weekend, Rabbit Season has already started. “Elmer Fudd”, Fines Master, Matt Townsend is already rumoured to be very interested in reviewing one particular incident. Derrin (Saigon President) and Fleur (Saigon Committee Member and Derrin’s fiancee) were scheduled to fly to Bangkok tonight. Alas, they found out yesterday that Fleur had actually booked the morning flight meaning that both will take an unscheduled day off work. Derrin’s response?

She’s had a shocker.

Indochina Cup 2009 – Bring it on!

LoretoFest 09, Saigon 28 November 2009

If you’re not coming to Bangkok, LoretoFest 2009, the Saigon International Music Festival will be held tomorrow, Saturday 28 November, 2009, at RMIT University, D7 from 2pm – 11pm. Great music and all money raised goes to the Loreto Foundation.

Coming Up

Swannies End of Season Christmas BBQ, 12 December 2009, District 2 Saigon

The Swannies in Saigon will host an End of Season Christmas BBQ for all players, sponsors and supporters. Partners and children are most welcome. To confirm your attendance, email the Vietnam Swans by 5 December 2009.

Vietnam Swans Cricket Day, Melbourne

The 2nd Annual Vietnam Swans Cricket Day will be held in Melbourne at the MCG on Day 3 (28 December) of the Boxing Day Test Match. To confirm your attendance, email the Vietnam Swans

Vietnam Swans Golf Day, Melbourne

The 5th Annual Vietnam Swans Golf Day shall be held in Melbourne at the Royal Ivanhoe Golf Links on 29 December (Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test Match). The following people have already confirmed:

• Michael Growder (Hanoi, 2004 – 2007)
• Dave Kainey(Hanoi 2003 – 2005)
• Micky Francis (Hanoi, Since Forever – Current)
• Ryan Jeffrey (Hanoi, 2003 – 2004)
• Travis Fennell (Hanoi, Since forever – Current)Greg Armstrong (Saigon, 2007 – 2009)
• Phil Johns (Hanoi/Saigon 2004 – Current)
• Micky Johnston (Hanoi 2004 – Current)

To confirm your attendance, email the Vietnam Swans

Honk yer horn if you love the footy!

David Hadley with Loreto's Program Coordinator, Trish Franklin

This morning, Vietnam Swan, David “Angry” Hadley, attended the official  opening of Loreto Vietnam’s Sunrise Special School in Saigon. See David’s report below.

It was with great pleasure that I accepted an invitation from Trish Franklin, head of Loreto Vietnam, to attend the opening of the new Binh Minh special school.  I had already learnt of the fantastic accomplishments that Loreto has achieved in supporting and assisting children who are disadvantaged, poor and disabled in Vietnam and was looking forward to being a part of this celebratory day.  I arrived to the sounds of a large brass band and could feel the anticipation and excitement in the air.

These singers are dressed to impress in the traditional ao dai dress

The formalities were broken up with the children dancing to an array of Vietnamese themes, playing music and providing other entertainment.  Non performing students were cheekily watching proceedings from the overhead balconies.  There was much pride and happiness in all of the speeches and you could see waves of emotion flooding Trish as she explained what this school means to the children.

When the formal part of the morning was finished, we all went on a tour of the school.  The facilities and layout of this new school really blew me away.  The library, music room and special rooms for deaf and blind children were just some of the highlights.  Other specialty rooms showcased how the children will go onto learn skills that they can use in the workforce.

The classrooms are well fitted out

I enjoyed having a few moments with Trish after the ceremony to discuss the new school.  The planning started in 2007 and the building started 8 months ago.  Trish would visit the school on a weekly basis throughout the construction, marvelling at how quickly and brilliantly the “palace” was taking shape.

Thank you Trish and Loreto Vietnam for inviting me to the opening.  I was deeply humbled and in awe of what has been achieved.  I will definately be taking up the offer to come back in six months time when the school is well established.

This Saturday, 28 November, LoretoFest 09 (the Saigon International Music Festival) will be playing at RMIT University, District 7, Saigon. It starts at 2pm and doesn’t finish until 11pm. “Along with the awesome musical entertainment for this year’s event, there will also be an extensive array of kid’s activities including games and toys set up by Smart Kids; pony rides; face painting; 6-aside football; a climbing wall and so much more!”

So, get down to Loretofest and help raise much needed funds for Loreto’s next project.  The main focus of this project is to provide everyday schooling for children and to target poor schools in District 9.  Please email Chris Byrne for further information about Loretofest, including sponsorship opportunities.