World Footy News has just written a preview of the 2007 Asian Championships. It appears that the Socceroos have also been invited to attend the Champs. How lucky are they?

World Footy News believes that the United Arab Emirates will push the traditional heavyweights of Bali, Singapore, Hong Kong and Jakarta. I’ll give you the tip: they overlook the Vietnam Swans at their peril.

In the training department, the Thailand Tigers have the services of coach, Geoff Everett, who is apparently a “former Fitzroy Star”. We have Scott Stacey, so we’re right as.

For the full story, try World Footy News.  

It is extraordinary! People are just coming out of the woodwork from everywhere. Now living in Tianjin, China, Colin and Kay Mitchell who are still Social Members of the Hanoi Swans, have said that they’re coming down for the Champs.

When they lived in Hanoi, they were also two of the Swans photographers. In fact, Colin was the photographer on the Hanoi Swans first ever trip abroad to Malaysia in 2005 when Flyer Kainey was Pres and Jarrod Dale was Captain.

That is absolutely magnificent news that Colin and Kay will be there in Bangkok to see the Vietnam Swans play in their inaugural Asian Championships. The fact that so many people who were part of the original Hanoi Swans and are now involved with the Vietnam Swans is just amazing.

By the way, if you’re wondering why a couple of Hanoi Swans supporters would have moved to Tianjin, China… well, I guess, it must have had something to do with Tianjin’s famous Swan Lake.

The Hanoi Swans under the visionary leadership of President Kainey, acquired naming rights to the lake back in 2005. Since then, the Melbourne Demons Football Club, City of Melbourne (which has a sister city relationship with Tianjin) and the AFL have shown a growing interest in Tianjin and China. Last month the 3 parties really conducted a joint 10 day tour. Footy’s a happening thing there. To find out more, read the full story on World Footy News.

Tonight, Brett Malcolm from Saigon officially handed over his email address and is now locked in to become the 35th person to tour with the Swans. Passion is rugby but, judging by the husky voice, genuine passion is gargling scotch for breakfast. With his rugby heritage and solid frame, is sure to explode a few packs around Bangkok’s Patana Paddock.

 Off the field, rest assured he will lead the pack long into the wee hours.

Peter Bossink, the man who kept us all guessing until this morning, has formally advised that he will play in the Champs. He is the 33rd person to tour with the Swans.

His player profile which was sent to Bangkok several weeks ago on the off-chance that he would play states:

“Peter’s known for his tackle, smooth hand skills and the ability to eat a meat pie & sauce in 3 gulps. Enjoys pre-match mind games to such an extent that not even his team mates know whether he will tour to Bangkok for the Champs. This albino is a dark horse who needs to be watched closely.” 

Half an hour after Peter’s email, Sam Grigg advised that he will be the 34th person to tour. Sam’s been hiding under a rock since he was in Saigon two months ago and this has cost him an entry in the Vietnam Swans Official Tour Guide.

But fair to say, Grigg can play – judging by his arrival night in Hanoi last year. According to his mates and those who were at his sole training session in Saigon earlier this year, his on-field form isn’t bad either. Being a young unfit gun, he will be a welcome addition to the Swans line up.

If you’re wondering about No. 32, Greg Eggins, from Cambodia, signed up last week and is still sending through a photo and profile for the blog.