Self confessed international football slut, Chris “Newy” Newport, who loves to play for anyone playing against the Swans (he’s played for the Thailand Tigers and Jakarta Bintangs against us), has written to us to say, “Well done on a successful tour by the Swans. The Swans have a great bunch of guys who will succeed in future years and I personally hope that you get the guernsey for the 2008 Champs”.

Newy goes on to add, “Great to see you guys and and I will be sure to drop into your local when I am next in Vietnam”.

Newy (who, incidentally, is pictured above getting a pasting!) is a top man and is always very welcome in Vietnam both on and off the field. We also gratefully acknowledge his confidence that we could host the Asian Champs next year.

But meanwhile, the Bali Geckos have actually floated an idea that in light of Bangkok’s central location and affordable living, it would make an ideal, permanent venue for the Champs. Hong Kong has concurred.

The beauty about footy is that it’s never over.

Stop Press: Tim Hakfoort, President of the Jakarta Bintangs has just sent an email saying “Well done to the UAE and Vietnam for joining the comp”.

Every Club has its staunch supporters and the Swans are no different. Yesterday, the Vietnam Swans received an email from Jeremy Palmer who has played one game for the Swans – last year when we recorded our first victory which was against the Jakarta Bintangs.

Jez played a key role in that victory and we did try hard to tempt him to play with us again in the Champs. Unfortunately, work commitments in the Middle East prevented him from joining us. His email follows:

Bloody spewing I couldn’t come! Next year, we’ll clock up our first couple of wins guaranteed. Great work by all of you boys.

As I continue to tell people, despite all the footy I played on Australian soil, the game I played with the Swans was still the most enjoyable football experience I have had. The sheer enthusiasm of the boys and the fact that everyone was great mates off the field just makes it impossible not to enjoy a Swans experience.

Great game, great blokes…

Jez 

Go Jez and Go Swannies!

Final Score: ??

With Bali always the favorite in our group, nobody expected, except the Swannies of course, that this would be anything but an easy match for the Geckos. How wrong they were as once again the Swannies came out firing on all guns.

The coaches rested a few big names knowing that we still had a tough run home against the host nation but more importantly found some new positions for some of the boys to show off some hidden talents.

Big Growds and Marty Sharples dropped back into defense and found their comfort zone for sure. Drew took up the centre half forward role and was an immediate target and huge help for Dan who brought his sterling form into his second match of the day. Johnny simply dominated the ruck and his effort allowed Sam, Mick and Greg to win about 90% of the clearances as the Swans easily took the first half.

Best Players: Martin, Marty Sharples, Eggins, Franklin, Gowing, Vandermeer

Goal Kickers:??

Report prepared by Coach Scott Stacey. Photos courtesy of Colin and Kay Mitchell