When the HMAS DARWIN visited Saigon for the recent match against the Vietnam Swans, there Captain Coach, Catter, floated the idea of a Navy team playing in the 2010 Asian Champs. Vietnam Swans National President, Phil Johns, then forwarded the idea through to the presidents of the Asian footy Clubs for consideration.

Last week, the Vietnam Swans formally submitted our response to teh Asian Presidents. The email from the Swans National President has been reproduced below:

Last night, the Vietnam Swans formally discussed the idea of the Navy having a team at the Champs.

We thought the proposal was worth considering further for the following reasons:

While the navy doesn’t reside in Asia, it certainly spends a fair bit of time floating through Asia.

This year, it has toured for at least three matches in Asia (Vietnam, Singapore and Japan) (and the Army has played in Dili). Given touring is always hardest for teams in Asia, the Navy has done a fair job in this department! So in recent times, the Navy is already, effectively, an active club in Asia.

We weren’t sure how the presence of the Navy would detract from the good work being done in junior development anymore than the presence of other teams with expats (and on a personal note for the AFL, while it would be nice to have a billion Chinese playing footy, it’s probably not going to happen without the help of at least a few expats)

Countries are keen to host future matches at home against the Navy. Having the Navy play at the Champs would make them feel like an active part of the Asian footy community and therefore, when they do drop into Asian ports, they are probably going to be more likely to actively seek out games with the local team – which seems to be what we all want.

I’m not sure about what happened in Japan but both Singapore and Vietnam beat the navy when they played us recently. So, the navy is beatable. It should be possible to draw up some rules about eligibility which ensures they can’t pick a team from their potential pool of thousands that would smash anything in its path (and operational requirements and physical distances would automatically slash the size of the original pool)

The Navy can generate publicity back in Australia – which increases the potential level of interest of a Sammy Newman coming over which should increase the potential for sponsorship etc etc.

The Navy can generate publicity locally. In Vietnam, our footy match was mentioned in half a dozen local papers which doesn’t happen for other matches that we play (the exception being the Black Saturday match against the Geckos).

As part of the Navy’s charm offensive program, it does actively involve ambassadors and the hierarchy from the local government which gives us exposure to the big guns and it also generates local media attention. The Navy also does activities with underprivileged kids etc etc.

Potentially, the Navy can help out with logistics support to help the hosts of the Champs organise the event.

Now, the Vietnam Swans aren’t trying to do all the bidding on behalf of our poor, defenseless Australian Navy! Our background is that the two visits we have had from them in the last 18 months have been sensational (as it has with every other team that has visited Vietnam). They were a top bunch who spend a bit of time in Asia and just love playing footy. So, provided there is enough oval space for a growing number of teams, we thought that they would be very suitable. We didn’t see any negatives associated with their participation – as long as they weren’t pushing out an Asian based country.

In addition, there is the possibility that they can bring a number of other benefits to the table which we clubs are not able to do or aren’t able to do as well. And, thinking about what the Asian Champs might look like in 5,10, 20 years, the Navy’s support and influence could possibly be very important.

Recommendation

I would propose that China, as hosts of the 2010 Champs, invites the Navy to address the Presidents and then, we have a vote as to whether they should be included in the 2010 Asian Champs. Admitting a team is a big deal so perhaps a 2/3 majority if the proposal is to get up?

Currently, I have just conveyed the content of a conversation with Catter which, in a sense, has effectively made the Vietnam Swans/ me an unofficial spokesperson. This is unfair on Catter, the Navy personnel who would love to play footy, the Vietnam Swans and myself. Giving Catter the opportunity to address us would allow them to detail exactly what it is that they would be offering the Asian Champs.

Following the match between the Vietnam Swans and HMAS DARWIN on 29 September 2009, the ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander C.E. Smith CSM, RAN has written to the Vietnam Swans National President, Phil Johns, in a letter dated 2 October 2009, thanking the Vietnam Swans for our hospitality.

The letter is reproduced below:

Dear Phil

I am writing to thank you for the game of Australian Rules Football and the tremendous hospitality extended by the Vietnam Swans to HMAS DARWIN. During a deployment, sports provide a positive outlet for ship’s company and a way to engage the local community during port visits.

Australian Rules Football encourages hard work, team work and courage which are the same virtues that the Royal Australian Navy seeks to develop in its sailors. This match contributed to the upholding of those qualities.

I wish you and all the members of the Swans the utmost of success for the future and I look forward to spreading the word back in Australia about how gracious a host the Swans are.

Yours aye

Chris

C.E. Smith
Commander, RAN
Commanding Officer
HMAS DARWIN

[Commander C.E. Smith then adds, in handwriting...]

Thanks again for the great hospitality and all the best to you and the team.

“Go the Swannies!”

Today in Hanoi, the Vietnam Swans teamed up with (AEI) to help celebrate Fun Australia 2009.

Leading the charge for the Swannies were Willy and “Crazy Dan”.

Willy has just filed the report below on a day that was an outstanding success.

G’day guys,

Just a brief one to let you know that (Crazy) Dan and I had an absolute ball at the Fun Aussie Day.

The 30 odd Vietnamese students all in Vietnam Swans / Aussie Embassy tops was amazing. It truly shows what we as a club can do to not only promote our great game of AFL, but, just as importantly, build up rapport with Vietnamese youth. They are a really awesome bunch of guys and super eager to learn more about our game. On top of this, as Dan commented, ‘Some of these guys can really play’.

I think as a club we need to seriously consider getting some of these young guys on board as we know they can potentially build up the club in Asia. If you think I’m pullin’ ya leg, ask Crazy Dan how good for a first hit out some of the guys were.

There was a professional photographer there so hopefully we will get some awesome shots and a TV camera crew interviewed the coach.

Next train’n session for Fun Australia 2009 is on November 7th. I will send out the email from the Aussie Embassy again, or check the Vietnam Swannies blog.

Have a great weekend.

Go you Swannies!!

Willy

Coming up on the Swannies website:

• Vietnam Swans receive letter from Commanding Officer of HMAS DARWIN thanking Swans for recent footy match
  
• Vietnam Swans email Asian Presidents arguing for inclusion of Navy at 2010 Asian Champs

Vietnam Swans National President, Phil “Fabbo” Johns, emailed this Swannies update (see below) to the party faithful last week.

Dear Swannies and Supporters

The AFL Grand Final Wrap

The 2009 AFL Grand Final went off with a bang all over Vietnam.

• In Hanoi, the Vietnam Swans Grand Final Party at JASPAS attracted a crowd of 150. JAFA, located in Ciputra, also reported strong numbers.
• In little ol’ Hue, Micky Francis’ Backpackers Hostel had 40 attend.
• Still to get numbers for Hoi An.
• In Nha Trang, 80 were reported at one pub.

• In Saigon, the Saigon Saints who have retired from active football duties, hosted their 11th, very impressive, Grand Final Brunch at the Sheraton. Just two years ago, the Saigon Saints had 300 attend. Now they have 400. Last year, the Vietnam Swans had 150 attend our inaugural Grand Final Party in Saigon. This year it increased by another 30 per cent to 200. So, in the last two years, the number attending an organised Grand Final Party in Saigon has actually doubled, increasing from 300 to 600 people. This fantastic growth now puts Saigon in a similar league to the likes of Singapore and Jakarta.

These are impressive figures. Across Vietnam, volunteers are creating events around the AFL Grand Final – which is pulling in crowds. With a marketing spin, this natural energy and momentum created by an army of volunteers could be leveraged to promote “Australia” which, in turn, would indirectly help promote our respective Grand Final events.

In Saigon, the hosts the hugely successful Auscham Ball, coincidentally, on the AFL’s Preliminary Final weekend which is of course, the week before the Grand Final. These two events, the Auscham Ball and the Grand Final parties could become the unofficial bookends of an “Australia Week”. If other organisations with an Australian link ran their own promotions in that week; eg a wine shop flys in an Australian wine maker during “Australia Week” to promote their wines; a restaurant flys in an Australian Chef or just has a special promotion on Australian dishes; RMIT flys in an Australian guest lecturer who also gives a public lecture etc etc, all of them could “piggy back” the Australian momentum in that week… Through forward planning (eg don’t have the winemaker come out in August; have him come out in “Australia Week”), marketing expenditure should remain constant but the benefits could be multiplied. That would be great for those of us hosting Grand Final events and would be great for those interested in promoting their sales/PR of Australian products and services. Potentially, all very good…

Meanwhile, back to the Vietnam Swans Grand Final Parties, the Vietnam Swans, again, would like to thank our very generous sponsors who are listed on our Grand Final Party page.

HMAS DARWIN

Just three days after the AFL Grand Final, the Vietnam Swans were back playing footy in Saigon – this time, the Australian naval ship, HMAS DARWIN. Just as when we played the HMAS ANZAC a year earlier, it was a fantastic day and evening. As a bonus, we even managed our second win against the navy.

The match was played in great spirit and the teams/crews mixed exceptionally well afterwards. This mixing has become a signature of the Vietnam Swans with visiting teams. The following evening, half a dozen Vietnam Swans were invited to attend a cocktail party aboard the DARWIN. Drinks followed in the officers’ mess. We had a fantastic time – and judging by an email received from the DARWIN’s Arron “Catter” (who was our point of contact on the ship) a couple of days ago, so did they:

“It is ports like Saigon that make it all worthwhile. The game of footy was great but the highlight for me was when the two teams went out for the after match function. It is rare you get all ranks in the one area where everyone is having a genuinely great time. The Captain of the Ship had a ball. The cocktail party (the following night) was also great fun.”

In addition, the DARWIN left behind a spent shell, from one of their “big guns”, that has been engraved with, the “Phoenix Perpetual Trophy” (the phoenix is on the DARWIN’s crest). The Vietnam Swans will be the custodians of this trophy which will be played for every time the Navy visits Vietnam. The results of the first two matches have already been engraved on this trophy which is currently looking for a home where it can be displayed proudly. More to follow on this one.

For the Vietnam Swans, as a Club in its 6th year, developing a sense of history and tradition is extremely important – and this type of offering from the Navy (which is the master of tradition and symbolism) is absolute gold for us.

It’s a great reward for our players and supporters, current and past, who have so enthusiastically embraced the culture of always creating an event whenever a team visits. It’s a great culture and tradition that the Swannies have developed – and it is timely to recognise the massive contribution to our club culture made by some of the big names that have crafted and passed on the baton before us. The names include the likes of Micky Francis, Jarriod Dale, Dave Kainey, Daryl Taber, Scotty Stacey and a host of others.

Another thing about the Phoenix Trophy is that the Navy will now be actively seeking us out whenever they have a ship visiting Vietnam. That’s one more match and one more awwwwwwwwwwwwwesome event (that will be “awesome” spelt with 15 w’s).

Speeeecial thanks to RMIT University for giving us access to the footy field for the DARWIN match which would normally have been undergoing annual maintenance at that time.

Auskick in Hanoi

Spear headed by Willy in Hanoi, the Vietnam Swans have been running an Auskick program for more than a year at the Hanoi International School. The program is now attracting 20 students at each weekly session. In addition, next month, as part of the Australian Embassy’s Fun Australia campaign, three special Auskick days will be offered to students, aged 16-21, from 5 different schools in Hanoi.

Auscham, Big Day Out and the Swannies, Saigon

Auscham and the Vietnam Swans are currently in active discussion regarding a proposal to run an Auskick clinic and footy match as part of the Big Day Out festivities in Saigon on 30 January next year. Bring that on! Auscham’s BDO is a hugely successful event on Saigon’s social calendar attracting a massive crowd. To play in front of that crowd at RMIT will be ideal. Leverage… All good.

The Kainey Cup – call to arms

On 31 October, we shall play for the Kainey Cup against the Jakarta Bintangs in Jakarta. This will be a “speeeeecial” match (speaking of “speeeecial”, see the photo to the side of Australian sports commentator, Bruce McAvaney (famous for his “speeecial” pronouncements) with Dave Hadley here in HCMC) for four important reasons:

The Kainey Cup is named in honour of Dave Kainey, now based in Singapore, who will be play fro the Swannies in that match

This will be the first time we have played Jakarta since we played the Craig Senger Tribute Match, in August, in honour of those who fell in the Jakarta bombings (Craig was also a Jakarta Bintang)

This will be Drew Franklin’s last match with the Vietnam Swans as a resident of Vietnam. Big Drew has been an outstanding coach and player since arriving in 2007. Also, off the field, at a critical time in the Club’s development, he secured two major cash sponsors, Linfox (still a sponsor) and Loscam (now replaced by Pest Free), for our new jumper. While players still buy their own jumper, we no longer need to rely on individuals to play the role of banker for the Club.

Kris Van der Meer, who played for the Swans in our first Asian Champs assault back in 2007 and now lives in Jakarta, will play for the Swannies in this match!

However, we still need more players for the trip so please contact Derrin, me or any of the other players for further details.

Dirt cheap – and direct flights from HCMC – are far more readily available than excuses… This will be the Swannies 25th not-to-be-missed event for 2009.

Stubby holder

The Vietnam Swans in Saigon are about to release a new stubby holder that is sponsored by Corsair Marine International (which builds 24ft, 28ft, 31ft and 37ft trimarans and 50ft catamarans in Saigon). The artwork has been finalised and a limited run is now in production (see attached artwork). The Vietnam Swans stubby holder is expected to make the ideal Christmas gift and drinking companion.

The Vietnam Swans Website

As always, for all the latest and freshest information on the Swannies, log onto http://vietnamswans.com.

Last month, we recorded 6,753 hits, our highest yet.

The Sign Off

Honk yer horn if you love the footy!

You will recall that just three days after the 2009 AFL Grand Final, the Vietnam Swans played a match against the crew of HMAS DARWIN in Saigon.

Just as when we played the HMAS ANZAC a year earlier, it was a fantastic day and evening. As a bonus, we even managed our second win against the Navy.

The match was played in great spirit and the teams/crews mixed exceptionally well afterwards. The following evening, half a dozen Vietnam Swans were invited to attend a cocktail party aboard the DARWIN. Drinks followed in the Officers’ Mess. We had a sensational time – and judging by an email received a couple of days ago from the DARWIN’s Arron “Catter” (who was our point of contact on the ship), so did the crew:

It is ports like Saigon that make it all worthwhile. The game of footy was great but the highlight for me was when the two teams went out for the after-match function. It is rare you get all ranks in the one area where everyone is having a genuinely great time. The Captain of the Ship had a ball.

The cocktail party (the following night) was also great fun.

In addition, the DARWIN left behind a spent shell, from one of its “big guns”, that has been engraved with the “Phoenix Perpetual Trophy” (the phoenix is on the DARWIN’s crest). The Vietnam Swans will be the custodians of this trophy which will be played for every time the Navy visits Vietnam. The results of the first two matches have already been engraved on this trophy which is currently looking for a home where it can be displayed proudly. More to follow on this one.

For the Vietnam Swans, as a Club in its 6th year, developing a sense of history and tradition is extremely important – and this type of offering from the Navy (which is the master of tradition and symbolism) is absolute gold.

This is a great reward for our players and supporters, current and past, who have so enthusiastically embraced and developed the culture of always creating an event whenever a team visits. It also provides us with a fitting opportunity to recognise and acknowledge the massive contribution to our club culture made by some of the big names that have crafted and passed on the baton before us. The names include the likes of Micky Francis, Jarrod Dale, Dave Kainey, Daryl Taber, Scotty Stacey and a host of others.

Another thing about the Phoenix Trophy is that the Navy will now actively seek us out whenever it has a ship visiting Vietnam. That’s one more match and one more awwwwwwwwwwwwwesome event (that will be “awesome” spelt with 15 w’s).

Special thanks to RMIT University for giving us access to the footy field for the DARWIN match as it would normally have been undergoing annual maintenance at that time.