Five minutes with the Flyer – Hanoi Prez, Dan Hopkins
Posted by Vietnam Swans on August 9, 2011
Dave Kainey is the Flyer!
Dave “Flyer” Kainey, Legend of the Swannies, recently caught up with our new Hanoi Prez, C Daniel Hopkins and requested 5 minutes of his time…1. Dan, the Vietnam Swans – a developing force in Asian footy – how did you find this outfit?
I heard about the Swannies in 2008 three months after arriving in Vietnam through an old house mate of mine who is an Irish Celts player and had trained with the Swans on occasions (Eds note: the Swannies now have an amazing relationship with the Celts in Hanoi and regularly play joint Aussie Rules/ Gaelic Footy games).
Dan delivers the goal posts to the ground at the recent match in Hanoi.
2. Can you share ‘the highlight’ of you association with the Vietnam Swans? How have you enjoyed the Hanoi President’s role?
I have had two major highlights. The first was the Asian Champs in 2008 Singapore. I had no idea how big football in Asia was and going there with the Swans to be part of such a large event that I had no idea about was awesome.
The second was the ANZAC tour to Thailand in 2009. It was great to be part of a memorial service linked in with footy and in such a lovely place.
The Hanoi President’s role is a massive honor and I’m happy to hold the position and do something for the Club.
3. Recently the clash of the north and south was held in Hanoi – your reflections on the weekend?
The weekend was a huge success. It’s great to have these inter club games to join the two (major) cities and get a bit of friendly competition. We had a great venue for the game plus mother nature came to play also (with plenty of rain). Due to the shortage of numbers, we played a game with mixed teams (between north and south) though this was probably for the best so close from the Champs for the boys to get to know each other’s game styles.
4. Dan, how is the mood in the camp in Hanoi in the lead-up to the Asian Championships?
The boys in Hanoi are really pumped. There are a lot of boys who are first timers to the Champs. They have been training hard twice a week and I’m sure it will pay off in Bang Kok. Having 10 players from Hanoi is also very exciting.
5. Your preparation for a tournament like the Asian Championships – what does it look like?
Our preparation has been quite simple really. Stick to the basics. We have been training hard twice a week. Having Thursday sessions at the Embassy – mainly fitness work – and then having games on the Saturday. The main thing we have been concentrating on is our decision-making under pressure and being able to hit targets by hand and foot.
6. OK Dan, the Asian Champs are upon us. What are your thoughts on how the weekend will unfold for the team?
I think we can give it a real shake this year. We have a strong list with some boys who can really play. All our guys throughout the country have been working hard and if a couple of things go our way, who knows how far we can go? It should be an excellent weekend. The Asian Champs are fantastic and I have no doubt that Thailand will put on a great show.
Go Swannies at the Asian Champs 2011!
C. Dan, best of luck at the 12th Annual Asian Champs in Bangkok next weekend and thanks for spending Five minutes with the Flyer!
Willy said
Crazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzy!!
All the best at the champs Hanoi boys & of course all of the Vietnam boys..
Go you Swannies!!