was due to play a match against the Vietnam Swans on 19 September. However, yesterday, Daniel Hogarth, ex Swannie and current player of Tarrawingee, sent the following email to advise that the Vietnam trip has been delayed due to Victoria’s current flood crisis.
Daer Swannies
I have some good and bad news.
Bad news – Wangaratta and surrounding areas have been affected by floods. This has meant many people have been forced out of homes and lost property, stock etc. For this has meant our Preliminary Final was postponed a week which has meant our Grand Final was then forced back another week to the 18th of September (the day we were meant to be flying out to Vietnam).
Now we are not guaranteed a Grand Final spot (Eds note: but they have been spanking other clubs in the league all season) but we do not wish to miss the Grand Final or our trip to Vietnam to meet the Mighty Swans.
Good News- What we have done is moved the trip back a whole week (just confirmed 2 min ago). So, we are still coming to Vietnam but we now arrive Sat 25th September (AFL Grand Final day- bad day to be flying and not watching).
We would still love to play a game against each other to promote the Swans and footy in Asia.
Sorry to do this to the Swannies, but it something that has been out of our control with the floods. I realise the Swannies have organised and booked venues, players etc and we are very appreciative of all the work that has gone into this so far.
Hope we are able to work something out and have a kick.
Ed’s note: The Swannies will be doing everything we can to make a fixture happen. But the day after the Grand Final, as the most convenient option, is also the harshest! Possibly the following week (when RMIT’s field is closed for annual maintenance)??