Today in Hanoi, the City turned on a magnificent show of support for the Hanoi-based Swans with a ticker tape parade.

It seemed more like a Grand Final Parade in Melbourne with the crowd up to 6 deep in places. Police estimate the crowd to have been “at least 100,000″.

Mr Nguyen, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, addressed the Swans in front of an adoring crowd. Mr Nguyen said that the Swans had captured the hearts of the nation with the mega merger of North and South to form a combined Vietnam Aussie Rules Team.

Mr Nguyen added that until the arrival of the Vietnam Swans he had only ever wanted to watch “the beautiful game”. But now, “I think I prefer your game because it is very awesome”.

The Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee, coincidentally, also named Mr Nguyen, then presented the players with a picture of Uncle Ho.