Biggest and best Grand Final Parties across Vietnam
Asian Champs – 10th October – Clark, Philippines
The Swans take on Asia's best. Season's key event where the Swans will take on the strongest teams in Asia including the Hong Kong Dragons, the Singapore Wombats, the Jakarta Bintangs, the China Reds, the Bali Geckos, The Cambodian Eagles, the Thai Thaigers, the Malaysian Warriors and the hosts, the Philippine Eagles.
The Swannies in September photo comp is on during the AFL Finals Series. All you have to do is take a pic of yourself/someone wearing something of the Swannies. And make a link to the AFL Finals.
Willy was down at Geelong today with the nags wearing his Vietnam Swans jumper. And his favourite Noel Callow was racing. What a link! A day at the races the day before the GF! As we say in Vietnamie, this is a “high potential” for Willy.
Submit your photo to the . Winner will be decided by popular vote on the website. Winner will receive a new Swannies red shirt sporting our new logo. The new shirt arrives in Saigon tonight. Former Skipper, Gus, is bringing them in from Singapore to save the day and will also watch the GF tomorrow at the Boomarang.
Have a great day wherever you’re watching the Grand Final (hopefully at the Boomarang in Saigon or JASPAS in Hanoi) – and take that happy snap of Swannies in September to win!
Australia Network, Official Media Sponsor for the Vietnam Swans 2011 AFL Grand Final Parties, has just released an updated promo video complete with Swannies’ logos and new voice over. Honk!
Taber, the man behind the talk, can be seen here vacuuming flies (right arm slightly obscuring left side of screen) at the Swannies' 2005 AFL Grand Final Party, Hanoi
Thursday’s Taber Talk returns with Daryl “DT” Taber to tell us what’ll happen this weekend in the Big One: the 2011 AFL Grand Final.
“Cats Favored To Win Grand Prize!”, D. Taber, 29 September 2011.
Let’s start this week’s preview with a couple of Brownlow Medal reflections. Dane Swan is a very worthy winner of ‘Charlie’ and it adds even another dimension to the epic contest this Saturday afternoon. He’s a real down to earth type but with all the extra attention he’s received this week, will he be able to play his usual high quality game? His performance on Saturday is so important to Collingwood! This will be one battle he will be fighting within himself.
Another Brownlow medallist will be wishing he was still in training with some of his old mates. Gary Ablett will watch the Grand Final lamenting, a little, his decision to leave the ‘Cattery’. After much consideration he left partly because of the great offer at hand, because his relationship with ex-coach Bomber Thompson soured and because he had the opportunity to live and play again with his brother Nathan on the Gold Coast. Since his departure Bomber Thompson also left Geelong and Nathan Ablett has been de-listed. Cam Mooney let it slip, when he recently announced his impending retirement, that a few long-time Cats will also hang up the boots. Perhaps Gary left a year too early?
"Cats are ready to devour Pies", D. Taber.
So let’s get to the epic contest for premiership glory this weekend. After a mere appetite-building work out last week, the Cats are ready to devour the Pies. Recent form says the Cats will win. The last 10 matches between these two highlights the Cats’ dominance over the Pies. They have an impressive 7-3 record including two wins this year, the last one being a thrashing only four weeks ago.
Collingwood’s game is based first and foremost on defence. Most often when they attack from defence they strategically go around the boundary. Tarrant and his band of quality defenders will hold their ground tenaciously in an attempt to keep the Big Cats to a low score. The Collingwood forwards need to do more and cannot rely on midfielders such as Ball to kick them over the line. Last week, against an undermanned Hawk outfit, the Pies only had five goals to three-quarter time. The Cats, on the other hand, got off to a ‘Flyer’ and had three goals on the board in eight minutes. They play a faster, more attacking style through the middle. I fancy Geelong will again get the jump on their opponents and the Pies will be unable to find enough inner strength and endurance to keep up.
American Pies in Arizona
In normal circumstances I would have favoured the tougher preparation Collingwood has had during the finals series. However, the Magpies have more injuries to key players and as the 2011 Brownlow medallist himself said on Monday night, Collingwood have been below their best these past few weeks. Geelong has had the luxury of resting players throughout, modelled on the very way Collingwood did it just last year. This season, every Geelong player has had a rest on top of the two byes. Collingwood has great faith in their players’ fitness claiming they have the world’s best conditioning coach. And again this year they have had a few more trips to Arizona.
The Collingwood forward duo of Dawes and Cloke have been far more consistent than the Cats’ main targets this year but it usually gets back to how well the ball is delivered. Last week the two powerhouse Pies were solid when it mattered most. Podsiadly and Hawkins are also leading strongly and marking well. They create enough of a contest to bring the ball to ground. Podsiadly regularly delights in crashing heavily into opposition defenders. Actually, he’s been guilty of friendly fire at times too. The Pies’ forward line struggled at times last week and keep in mind Harry Taylor has a very good record on Cloke. Malthouse’s men got over the line on the back of goals from the ‘swingman’ Davis, Swan and Ball. It will be even tougher this week for the Collingwood forwards against a better defence led by the ever reliable Scarlett.
Collingwood also has the better midfield although the Cats are running into form at the right time. Jolly’s fitness is the big concern for Collingwood. It will be in their minds how unsuccessful the West Coast gamble on Dean Cox was just last week. If the experienced Jolly doesn’t play, Geelong have the vital advantage of first use of the ball at stoppages. Last week, Geelong’s very experienced main ruckman, Brad Ottens, checked-out of the Preliminary Final early to soothe his body, leaving a confident young West alone but jumping out of his skin. West impressed last week with his marking and his ground coverage. He has been tutored at Geelong for six years, yet, has played just twenty games.
Taber's Tip: Premiership and Norm Smith Medallions for the Cattery's Joel Selwood.
The Cats have had all week to examine how the Hawks came ever so close to beating the Pies by playing man on man and pressuring them at every contest. The Magpies played with much less system and as a result, uncharacteristically, reliable types like Pendlebury and Harry O’Brien were lacking their usual trademark poise. The very brave Maxwell is yet to return to his best after his thumb injury and Beams, Thomas and Didak were well below par last week. The one positive Collingwood can take from all this is they have plenty of room for improvement.
I’m tipping the Cats to get off to a great start and win comfortably. The Norm Smith Medal just may well go to Joel Selwood.
Swannies’ Grand Final Parties in Hanoi and Saigon
I’m very envious of all the great Swannies supporters that will be enjoying the magnificent Grand Final functions in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Wherever else you may be, enjoy.
“It’s not my intention here just to bag umpires…”, D. Taber, 29 September 2011.
A lot of us see our game as being the greatest. But there are some aspects that are very frustrating. The list below contains what annoys me about the AFL. It is not my intention here just to bag umpires as they are only applying the rules as determined by the AFL Rules Committee.
Aker annoys Taber.
Please feel free to make comment on these and/or add your own to the list?
Let’s start with the old chestnut, ‘Holding the Ball’. Have you noticed that lately the interpretation has changed ever so slightly? Now, sometimes, when the ball is knocked clear in the contest it’s called play on rather than incorrect disposal.
We had a 36 minute final quarter two weeks ago. Why? Not because of too many injuries or goals it seems. The AFL are saying the ball went out of bounds too often! They are now considering, again, reducing the amount of time played.
Some TV networks have the countdown clock and some don’t.
Jason Akermanis
The ‘play on to advantage’ rule does not always reward the team who gets the free kick. Often a teammate hastily decides to play on and often causes a turnover. It can turn cheers to tears.
Resting a forward after he kicks a goal? Recently the Swans coaching panel decided to move Mumford into attack to resurrect the Swans forward line and immediately it worked. He goaled. Then he came off? In the past we’d often see a player score two or even three goals in a few minutes. Hard to do when you’re sitting on the pine!
Interchange rule. Some players are penalised for a single step on the field then decide, “Oops, no, not yet and step back. Play on the field is not affected at all yet it’s a free kick AND a 50m penalty! It’s a bit harsh I reckon. Similarly, when the weary player exits the interchange gate a centimetre the wrong side of the line.
It’s Time. Time to Tell Taber!
Taber has controversially finished his column with a wild spray against umpires, the AFL’s Rules Committee – and even poor ol’ Aker. But, arguably, even more controversial is the fact that Taber hasn’t prepared his own footy poll this week for the punters.
"Oh Daryl! Won't you do just one more of your footy polls?"
Jezza. Sending greatness to Hanoi, Saigon and Singapore.
Leigh Matthews has been counting down his during the AFL’s 2011 Finals.
Yesterday, he ranked that mark of Jezza’s in the 1970 Grand Final over Jerker Jenkins as the 4th Moment of Greatness.
Epic or iconic? Take your pick. Regardless, it was an awesome mark.
Last Saturday, the Swannies’ Kyle Hackenberg was in Melbourne and dropped in on Alex and Annie Jesaulenko for a coffee, some vegemite and toast and a chat. While Kyle was there, Jezza signed two Vietnam Swans’ footy jumpers and two footies.
The exciting news is that the two footies will be auctioned off on Saturday at the Hanoi and Saigon Grand Final Parties! Footies, signed by Jezza, specifically for the Swannies’ parties! How good is that??
The two Swannies’ jumpers will hang on the walls of the in Saigon (venue for the Swannies GF Party in the south) and at the Boomarang Bistro in Singapore.
Jesaulenko, you beauty!
to view the video of Jezza’s mark and Leigh Matthews’ reasoning for making that mark the 4th Moment of Greatness.
The Vietnam Swans thank Adam Zakharoff from the Boomarang Bistro Saigon for his support in introducing the Swans to Alex Jesaulenko.
Buses are confirmed in Saigon for Grand Final Day (here Swannies, Snags and Barfly, board the bus for a game against Malaysia in 2006
The Vietnam Swans in Saigon have confirmed pick up points for Saturday’s Grand Final Party at the Boomarang Bistro.
Details are as follows:
District 1: One 45 seat bus will leave from Al Fresco’s, 27 Dong Du Street (same street as Sheraton Hotel).
District 2: One bus will leave from the British International School, 246 Nguyen Van Huong St.
Please assemble at 8.30am for an 8.45am departure (the event begins at Boomarang at 9.00am).
Please note, seats are limited and priority will be given to those with pre purchased tickets. Pre purchased tickets are available from the Commonwealth Bank, Austrade, Boomarang Bistro and Swannies’ players.
Buses will return! Buses will return from Boomarang Bistro to D1 and D2 at 5pm. Limited seats.
The Boomarang Bistro Saigon is located at the Crescent, Phu My Hung, the Crescent Residences 2, CR2 3-4, 107 Ton Dat Tien Phu My Hung, District 7.
Australia Network will beam the 2011 AFL Grand Final live into Vietnam. It is also the Vietnam Swans Official Media Sponsor of our Grand Final Parties in Hanoi and Saigon.
Australia Network has just released the promo below. Go you Swannies!
Former Swannie, Noam (red dreadlocks), plays for Hanoi against Saigon (and Phil Crouch pictured) at RMIT (Saigon), 21 April 2007.
Ex Swannie, Noam, complete with red dreadlocks, used to play for the Swannies in 2007. Yesterday, he wrote to the Swannies.
Glad to hear things are going well for the Swans in Vietnam.
I have just finished up my fourth season here in San Francisco and we’re gearing up for the US Nationals. This year the Nationals are in Austin, Texas. We are taking over 60 players for a Mens’ Division 4 team, Women’s team and a Men’s Division 1 team.
I made the Division 1 team and play back pocket or half back flank. I attribute a lot of my growth in footy to the short time I spent with the Swannies.
Noam.
It’s wonderful how footy has spread across the globe and we can all make great relationships because of it.
I would love to show my continued support for the Swans by purchasing a jumper. Please let me know how to buy one.
If you’re ever in the Bay Area, come and have a kick with us. We’d love to have any of the Swannies out.
Take care, Noam (red dreadlocks).
Noam, fantastic to hear from you and let us know how you go in the US Nationals. We’re super keen top catch up with you for a kick in San Fran. Bring it on! Jumpers can be purchased for $70 with the option of paying directly into an Australian bank account.
Golden Tonsils Townsend on the auctions at last year's Grand Final Party in Saigon.
The Vietnam Swans’ 2011 AFL Grand Final Parties are on next Saturday. And what a fabulous selection of prizes and items for raffle/auction we have!
Would you like a footy signed by Alex Jesaulenko, the Sydney Swans or Miss Australia? Perhaps a jumper signed by Hawthorn, Melbourne or last year’s NAB Norwich Rising Star? How about something from left field – a cricket bat signed by the Australian Cricket team?
After the Grand Final, do you need to be pampered? Then, a few/couple of nights at a resort in Central Vietnam or a stay in Hanoi/Saigon at a luxury hotel would be ideal.
All items are seriously awesome and we thank our generous sponsors most sincerely. Details below (please note, the details below should be treated as a guide only. Suppliers of prizes/raffles/auctions shall determine the specific terms and conditions. Winners should deal directly with suppliers rather than the Vietnam Swans):
Hanoi
x1 footy signed by Alex Jesaulenko.
x1 footy signed by 2011 Sydney Swans team.
x2 Hawthorn jumper signed by 2011 Hawthorn team.
. 2 nights stay in Pool Villa, including daily breakfast for 2 persons at any time or place and free spa treatments. Valued at $1,270.
. One package of 8 x 18 holes, with caddies and $50 F&B voucher. Valued at $930.
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. Two nights’ accommodation (single/double) in Club Deluxe Room, at the exclusive Equator Club.
Jim Beam.
Foodshop 45. 1 x VND1 million and 2x VND500K vouchers.
Saigon
x1 cricket bat signed by Australian Cricket Team
x1 footy signed by Alex Jesaulenko.
x1 footy signed by 2011 Sydney Swans team.
x1 Melbourne jumper signed by 2010 Melbourne team
x1 Brisbane jumper signed by 2010 NAB Norwich Rising Star, Daniel Rich
x1 Sherrin footy signed by Miss Australia 2008, Laura Dundovic.
. Two nights in a Park Suite incl breakfast and 60 min massage for 2 people. Valued at $1500. One Sunday Brunch in Opera for 6 people incl free flow Moet. Valued at $420.
One Saturday High Tea Buffet and Jazz in Park Lounge incl a glass of Moet. Valued at $170.
. Three nights at incl breakfast. Valued at USD1,800.
. Two nights’ accommodation, Ocean View Villas, incl. breakfast. Valued at $1,000.
. Three nights’ stay in two bedroom villa, airport transfers, buffet breakfast, maximum of four people. Valued at $945.
. One package of 8 x 18 holes, with caddies and $50 F&B voucher. Valued at $930.
. Two nights’ accommodation in a suite, including breakfast. Valued at $650.
. 2 x 4.5litre bottles for raffles, t shirts, prizes for Jim Beam handball board and drinks during the event.
. Two nights’ accommodation (single/double) in Club Deluxe Room, at the exclusive Equator Club.
. USD100* in Commonwealth Bank account (the bank account will be in Vietnamese Dong – the equivalent of USD100).
Origin Energy – 17 green promotional (non leather) footies.
. “All you can eat” Dim Sum for 2 persons at Yu Chu – Chinese Restaurant.
The 2012 Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day has been confirmed for 17 March.
The Vietnam Swans and are pleased to confirm that next year’s Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day will be held on 17 March 2012.
Jon Tomlinson, the General Director of Montgomerie Links said that:
Montgomerie Links and the Vietnam Swans are delighted to again have the opportunity to support our local swimming programs, namely and Hoi An. (It is so important) to contribute to the life saving efforts of these respective programs while supporting the efforts of the local peoples’ committees who work tirelessly to get the message of drowning preventions out to the communities.
Phil Johns, National President of the Vietnam Swans added,
Last year, we held our inaugural Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day and raised an amazing $25,000 (click here for full story). It was a great achievement – but, sadly, it was not enough. Vietnamese children are still drowning in alarming numbers. Together with Montgomerie Links, Swim Vietnam and Swim Safe Danang (), we have a chance to do something far more tangible than merely pass informed commentary. Swing to Swim 2012 will raise awareness and money to fund vital swimming programs that will make a real difference.
The death rate for drownings in Vietnam has risen by more than 50 per cent in the past four years.
Underlining the scale of the drowning tragedy, the reported on 9 September 2011, that more than 6,000 children drown in Vietnam every year. This figure is 50 per cent higher than in 2007. Below is an excerpt from the article:
The Khang Nhat Secondary School opened the new school year on a sombre note.
The opening ceremony included a moment of silence for four 9th graders who drowned in a nearby river just a day earlier.
On Sunday (September 4), 12 students from the mountainous Son Duong District in Tuyen Quang Province went to a cave and had to wade across a shallow section of the Pho Day River, after parking their bikes at Pham Van But’s house on the riverside at around 2 p.m.
But said he heard the students call for help ten minutes after they had left his house. He rushed outside and tried to rescue the drowning children.
After giving CPR to one of the students, Hoang Thi Thu Thao, who was rescued by another local, But plunged into the river with several other locals but they were too late.
The first body was salvaged at around 4 p.m. and the fourth at 6 a.m. on Monday morning downstream along the rapidly flowing river.
To read the rest of the article on line, click or, to read the original article in the printed newspaper, click onto