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Australian Rules Football In Vietnam!

Archive for March, 2008

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Australia Network slams Asia’s footy fans

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 18, 2008

Heath, the Chief Operating Officer of the Australia Network responds to the concerns of footy fans across Asia who are upset with the changes to the telecasting of AFL matches in Season 2008.
From: Heath Watt –
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 12:16 PM
To: Heath Watt
Subject: AFL Coverage on Australia Network
Importance: High

Dear all

Thank you for your comments regarding changes to the 2008 sports coverage on Australia Network.  To expedite a response I am writing at once to all who have written directly to me and as such cannot not respond to individual points.  Be assured that all of your emails have been passed on to the Head of Programming and the Chief Executive for their review.

As you would be aware there are numerous changes to the schedule for sport in 2008.  The changes have an impact on all sports and do not only impact AFL coverage.  The changes to the AFL schedule will see one less match broadcast per week and shifting the broadcast time for two matches.  The current schedule has  been made based on numerous factors including the mandated positioning of Australia Network by DFAT, our understanding of our primary and secondary audience preferences, financial implications, programming efficiency and time zones.  Australia Network is not a sports channel and as such we cannot revert to a sports only schedule during Australian winter sports seasons.

We constantly review the schedule to maximise the viewing experience.  The Programming Department is currently reviewing the possibility of achieving improvements to the schedule it can deliver to AFL viewers.  Should we be able to make improvements to the schedule for AFL viewers, they will be announced through australianetwork.com/sportslounge and the Sports Lounge Newsletter. I encourage you to keep across this site for information on the AFL, Rugby and NRL coverage in 2008.

Should you have further comments, now or in the future, regarding the coverage of AFL or other programming on Australia Network, I recommend that you make the comment through the Australia Network “Contact Us” system located on the website at http://australianetwork.com/about/contact.htm.  This system provides Australia Network with the ability to review overall comments and trends and ensure that the sentiments of emails are not lost in an individual’s email inbox.  Further emails made directly to Australia Network staff on this issue will not receive a response.

I hope that you get an opportunity to enjoy all sport on Australia Network this year and you join us through the associated Dream Team Competitions at http://australianetwork.dreamteamafl.com/ and http://australianetwork.super14dreamteam.com/.

All the best.

Heath Watt
Chief Operating Officer
Australia Network

Posted in AFL, Asian Footy | 1 Comment »

Stacey Slams AFL Coverage in Asia

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 18, 2008

Scotty’s been collared by the Australia Network - and he’s not happyLast year, 5 AFL matches were telecast into Asia each weekend. This year it has been dropped back to 4 matches. Further, the Friday & Saturday night matches won’t be shown until 1am the following morning! 

Needless to say, the footy clubs around Asia are not happy. Not happy at all!

The Hong Kong Dragons contacted Australia Network to express their disappointment. To read Australia Network’s response, read the post on the Hong Kong Dragons’ website.

The Swans Super Coach, Scotty Stacey then wrote to the CEO of the Australia Network, Mr Heath Watt:

Dear Sir,

Warmest greetings from a SE Asia expat. I write to you regarding an issue which is fast becoming the largest stir of the community here, the programming of AFL telecasts into the region.

To read the full email, click onto Super Coach’s email - a fine piece of professional and reasoned writing exercising great restraint.

The irony of it all is that Australia Network is cutting back while the AFL is talking big about expanding overseas.

The Swans Blog has emailed the AFL asking whether it had made any representations to the Australia Network. So far we have not received a response (admittedly we only sent the email off 20 minutes ago).

Posted in AFL, Asian Footy | Leave a Comment »

150 Years of Australian Football

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 16, 2008

150 Years of Australian FootballContrary to popular belief, it is not Vietnam that is celebrating 150 years of footy but footy itself. Aussie Rules was born 150 years ago in 1858 and was described by pioneers at the time as, “Awesome, mate. Simply awesome”.

The AFL has put together a calendar of events through 2008 to:

  • Connect with Community Football, our existing fans as well as engage new fans
  • Reinforce Australian football as the leading sport in this country
  • Reinforce the key values of Australian football
  • Deliver major programs that have lasting effect on community football and growth of the game overall
  • Celebrate and enjoy this memorable year

Of interest to footy clubs across the globe will be the “Kick around the World” program which will be held on 7 August. On this day, Australians around the world will be encouraged to “kick a football” and to submit photos of the most unusual place they have kicked a footy. The AFL is keen to “create some magical moments by kicking footballs all over the world”.

For the full details, download the AFL’s presentation, 150 Years of Football or log onto the 150 Years website for the latest details.

Posted in AFL, Asian Footy | Leave a Comment »

Local Derby: Saigon Saints V Hanoi Hawks/Swans, Nha Trang

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 14, 2008

The faded Vietnam Swans boat in Nha Trang Bay on an undisclosed dateFor those who haven’t caught up on the gos, the luckless Vietnam Swans went down to the Malaysian Warriors last weekend by just 100 dodgy points.

They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger: so now we’re as strong as an ox and looking forward to a guaranteed win for half of us in the next local Derby:

Match: Saigon Saints Vs Hanoi Hawks/Swans

Date: Saturday 19 April 2008

Location: Nha Trang

Time: TBA 

The last couple of local derbies have both been played in Saigon. Nha Trang will be a brave new world. Also happening on the same weekend will be a rugby match between the Saigon Geckos and the Hanoi Dragons.

There is likely to be some support from the Australian Embassy to help celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam. Making it even more special is the fact that 2008 marks the 150th birthday for Aussie Rules (not in Vietnam but in Australia). As if that’s not enough, the Vietnam Swans will take advantage of the opportunity to farewell the latest; this time, Sensational Sam Grigg.

Cheap domestic airfares (and trains), no visas and $10 accommodation options should ensure that we have heaps of players for the Saigon Saints and Hanoi Hawks/Swans. To prove me correct, register your interest in coming to Nha Trang by email.

At the beginning, middle and end of the country, it’s all footy.

Posted in Asian Footy, Farewell, photography, Swans in the Community, Unheard of | Leave a Comment »

Photos of Malaysia Vs Vietnam

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 11, 2008

Swans n Warriors

1. On the left, Swans President Fabbo in thongs (which upset Willy a lot) and Warriors President Manners thank the day’s crowd. 2. The two teams. 3. A dejected playing Coach, Pacey Stacey, Linfox Sponsor Mr Ben and Warriors’ Coach, Blacky.

Players for the Swans who made the trip: Clint Muzza, Gus McEwin, Drew Franklin, Willy, Martin Jacobs, Louis Joseph, Ian “The Boz” Bosonnet, Scotty Stacey, Danny Armstrong, Symmo, Dave “Flyer” Kainey, Andy Wall, Rooster (and his better half, Rena), Micky Francis, Micky Johnston, Damo Judd and Phil Johns.

These are the only photos to have been received by the Swans Blog so far. More have been promised.

Posted in Asian Footy | 1 Comment »

Post match report of sorts

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 11, 2008

Apart from the scoreboard, it was a seriously sensational trip – well, apart from Symmo doing a knee. Well, apart from Muzza losing his wallet. Well, apart from Fabbo missing his return flight.

Before we had even landed in KL there was action aplenty on our flight when we hit some serious turbulence and discovered the Wailing Woman who wailed and wailed. To use some footy parlance, what a screamer! Game on.

On the Saturday night, we had a special moment watching The Boz watch a Chinaman block the street outside our hotel with his car. The Chinaman became so angry with himself that he started smashing beer bottles against the windscreen of his car. The Boz started to fidget and mutter but, thankfully, remained seated.

In a fine tradition started by Sam who brought his girlfriend, Em oi to the Asian Champs, Rooster also brought sand to the Beach Club. Was fined accordingly!  However, given Rooster’s bucket of sand was the very lovely Ms Rena, it was another classic win-win for the rest of us!

Special thanks to – 

  • The Malaysian Warriors for organising the day and for not kicking 200 points 
  • Super Sav who managed to keep his coaching record intact
  • Symmo who did a lot of the organizing in Hanoi
  • Micky Francis for getting the club to pay for the beers on the bus trip back into town and for the best “goal-assist” that you will ever see. Cannoned into the goal post and turned a thread of daylight into the full blown midday sun.
  • The fine masters: Wall, Francis and Kainey
  • Andy Wall for sharing the delights of Jim Beam wherever we went.
  • Micky J for being the fastest slow bloke in Asian football
  • Danny for going all day in the ruck
  • The Laconic Louis who saved at least 10 goals in the backline
  • Damo the Dominator for exhibiting silky skills on and off the field
  • Captain Angry Angus for keeping his cool during 4 quarters of crisis
  • Kainey who still sleeps with his footy.
  • Muzza who redoubled his efforts to collect money for the footy tipping comp after losing his wallet
  • Willy for kicking our elusive first goal at the 12 minute mark of the last quarter
  • The others who I haven’t mentioned specifically

Congratulations to Drew for being judged Best Swans Player on the day and for pushing the Swans Sponsorship department along for the rest of us.

Farewell to Martin who was playing his last game for the Swans as a resident of Vietnam. We look forward to seeing you play with us again as a resident of Australia.

While there’s no shortage of people who leave Vietnam, it’s also true to say that there’s no shortage of people who continue to return to the Swans. The Singapore-based Kainey and Andy Wall are two such examples (Rooster’s just an international football slut with as many hats for international clubs as the Malaysian Warriors kicked goals).

Other people who have been involved with the Swans and sent Best wishes; Wish I was there! emails for this tour include luminaries such as: Brett Farmer, Daryl Taber, Ryan Jeffrey, Scotty Beasley, Michael Growder, Jeff Bloom, Clint Lambert and Matty Johns.

You see, at the beginning, middle and end of the day, it’s all good.

Hearin’ me? Go Swannies!

Photos are still coming…

Posted in Asian Footy, Farewell, Scoreboard | Leave a Comment »

Swans unlucky in KL

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 9, 2008

In a nail biter, the Swans went down on the weekend by a lazy 100 points.

Late in the last quarter, Willy was having a set shot for the Swans first goal. Micky Francis backed in from a rice field, bumped the goal post which then leant forward in a  pronounced fashion and the rest was history. Willy had just slotted the Swans’ goal of the match.

The Malaysian Warriors were silky all day kicking over 100 points to the Swans 1 goal and one point.

Photos to follow.

Posted in Asian Footy | Leave a Comment »

Swans play Malaysia tomorrow!

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 7, 2008

Today the Vietnam Swans will converge on Malaysia in preparation for tomorrow’s big clash against the Malaysian Warriors at 3pm in Kuala Lumpur. We are coming from Hanoi, Saigon and Singapore. We will be playing for the Linfox – Loscom Cup.

Controversially, this footy match has been scheduled on the same weekend that Malaysia goes to the polls.

Coincidentally, it is 2 years and 2 days since the last time these two teams played each other. That was on 6 March 2006 at the UN International School in Hanoi. A year before that, we toured to Malaysia under the banner of the “Hanoi Swans”. That tour announced Vietnam’s entry onto the Asian Football Stage in the modern era. The driving force behind the KL tour was the Hanoi Flyer, Dave Kainey who will also be joining us in KL this weekend.

Footy tipping comp

The Vietnam Swans are running a footy tipping competition on line at www.footytips.com.au . Sign up today. You can be a financial member of the tipping comp for just $15 (out they go at these prices) or you can just play without the pay. If you have any specific queries, give Muzza a call at vietnamswanstipping@gmail.com 

Final thought

At the beginning, middle and end of the day, it’s all good.

STOP PRESS

In news just to hand, Malaysia has controversially announced that the starting time for tomorrow’s match has been delayed by one hour for unspecified reasons. The match will now commence at 4pm.

Posted in Asian Footy, Unheard of | Leave a Comment »

The Swans fly in Tiger Airways’ magazine

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 4, 2008

The Swans make a Tiger TaleIn this month’s Tiger Airways’ in-flight magazine, Tiger Tales, there’s an article that examines all the big sports & persons across Tiger’s network. They include: the F1 Grand Prix, some big name drivers, exotic golf courses, Craig Parry (not as exotic), fishing destinations, Rex Hunt (also not so exotic) and…

Cleverly, the article saves the best ’til last. But, truth be known, what’s on the bottom should be on the top. It’s about Aussie Rules in Australia as well as in Asia. there’s a special mention to the Singapore Wombats, Malaysian Warriors, Thailand Tigers and the Vietnam Swans.

Tiger n SwansThe writer, Chris Canty of www.happiesthour.com fame (and former player and eternal friend of the Swans) has also mentioned next weekend’s big clash between the Vietnam Swans and Malaysian Warriors in Malaysia. As if that’s not big enough, Chris also has a quick Chat off the Couch with the exotic Swans President, Phil Fabbo Johns.

Check out the article at Tiger Airways In flight on the web or download the Tiger pdf version. See if you can work out why we aren’t at the top of the page.

Posted in Asian Footy, Unheard of | 2 Comments »

The Footy tipping comp is back!

Posted by Vietnam Swans on March 2, 2008

The Swans Footy Tipping CompA message from Muzza the Maestro re this year’s Vietnam Swans AFL Footy Tipping Comp.

Hi everyone.
 
In 2008 the Vietnam Swans are again running an awesome AFL tipping competition. It is quick to join and easy to submit your tips each week through the www.footytips.com.au website.
 
In the next few hours you will receive an invitation to the exclusive Vietnam Swans Tipping league. Sign up and then start studying your clubs pre-season form to try and find out who is going to be the big movers, up and down the ladder this year. If you don’t receive the email and would like to join, contact me.
 
What you need to do is sign up via the website, and so that you are eligible for the awesome prizes, pay either Scott Stacey, Phil Johns or myself by the start of round 7. The fee to join is 250,000VND or 15 USD.
 
The competition prizes will be 1st, 50% of the pool, 2nd 20% of the pool, and 3rd 10% of the pool. The remainder will go towards helping the club throughout the year.
 
Wait for the email directly from the footytips website – follow the instructions and links and away we go.
 
If you have any questions regarding the footy tipping competition, contact me, Muzza, at the new and exclusive email address, vietnamswanstipping@gmail.com . You can also log them under the Vietnam Swans Tipping league.
 
Happy tipping!

Muzaaah!

Posted in Tipping | 1 Comment »

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