On Wednesday night at the Spotted Cow a group of Swannies gathered for some pizzas and beers to farewell departing Swannie Marty (Lurch) Beecroft.

Saigon President Nick Shiells was there and he has filed the following report.

Marty has been on loan from the Monash Uni Blues which, coincidentally, is the former club of Skipper, Luke Creamer. He has been undertaking an exchange program with RMIT University in Vietnam completing his studies.

While Marty may have been in Vietnam for only one Uni Semester, he has really taken to the Club  touring to Malaysia, the Philippines for the Manila Cup and Vung Tau for our ANZAC Friendship clash against the Jakarta Bintangs.

On the field, Marty has been seriously awesome in his role as our ruckman and, off the field, Marty is very well known in the Club and a fantastic bloke.

Well done, Marty, and as the trophy says: “You can leave the country, but you can’t leave the Club. Honk!”.

So we wish you well now as you head off on your travels and hope that if you’re in Melbourne at the end of the year we will catch you at the Golf Day or Boxing Day Test (28 and 29 December 2013) with all the other Swannies back in the mother land.

Marty left Vietnam for Cambodia yesterday with his brother as he makes his way back to Australia.

Ah McRae, you’ve done it again!

has just produced another banner for this weekend’s upcoming match in Saigon between the Vietnam Swans and AFL Masters. The match will be held at RMIT’s campus in District 7, Saigon.

The day starts at 1pm with an Auskick game. The main game starts at 2pm and food and drinks shall be available for purchase at the ground thanks to Club sponsor, Alfresco’s.

This will be the second time that the AFL Masters have travelled to Vietnam, the previous time being in 2011.

Last weekend they played a stronger outfit in Bangkok. Tomorrow night they will play the Hong Kong Dragons and tonight, given they are now in Hongkers, they will go to Happy Valley for the races.

Last game as Resident Swannies

This match will be the last match a number of our guys will play for the Swannies as players. The list, including partners, comprises: Dukesy Creamer & Pia, Revo Evans & Dani, Dave O’Shea, Irish Brian, Moggy & Dani, Heater & Paula, Mighty & Asami, Dave Robb & Anne-Marie, American Michael, Lurch and Phil Ghasseb.

Guard of Honour

Prior to the commencement of the match, the Vietnam Swans players, Auskickers and AFL Masters shall form a guard of honour for the departing Swannies to enter the field.

Do yourself a favour and get down to the match on Saturday for this mega epic event.

Below are the scores and results for the 2013 Manila Cup.

Field 1 – Qualifying Games

Field 1 – Qualifying Results

Field 2 – Qualifying Games

Field 2 – Qualifying Results

Semi Finals Games and Results

Grand Final Result

Other Tournament Awards

• Player of the Grand Final – Travis Bull (Philippine Eagles)
• Player of the Tournament – Luke Creamer (Vietnam Swans)
• Mark of the Day – Shaun Hutcheson (Philippine Eagles)
• Goal of the Day – Ed Clark (Singapore Wombats)
• Leading Goalkicker – Kar Weng Ng (Philippine Eagles)

The Vietnam Swans congratulate the Philippine Eagles on winning the 2013 Manila Cup!

To all our players who put in such a sterling effort, congratulations. Very unlucky to go down in two games in the last seconds of play.

Finally, congratulations to our Skipper, Luke “Dukesy” Creamer for picking up the Player of the Tournament.

Hot n the heels of all the excitement and drama of last weekend’s Thriller in Manila Cup, the Swannies’ website publishes an email from the Thailand Tigers last week which provides an update for this year’s Asian Championships to be held in Thailand.

Below, President of the Thailand Tigers, Dave Paterson, emails the Asian Football’s Club Presidents. 

Dear Asian Football Presidents and EAAFL representatives.

I’m emailing you to update you all on the status of this year’s Asian Champs.

The Thailand Tigers are thrilled to again be hosting the Champs, and look forward to welcoming you all to Thailand for the 3rd year in a row.

We are currently finalising the costs because there are a lot of improvements to be made from last year’s event. We will be blocking group accommodation at two hotels and organising a much more efficient transportation arrangement for all teams, including getting you all from the airport to these hotels in a timely and organised system. So please be patient while we put the finishing touches on the prospectus.

However I can confirm that the date will be August 17th, and the venue will be the same as last year, Thailand Polo Fields, in Pattaya. Those in attendance last year will attest to the excellent playing surface and ground setup.

However, the event lacked a bit of atmosphere and it is this critical factor that we are hell-bent on correcting. We have come up with several ideas that will bring the competing teams together in a more ‘carnival’ atmosphere, as well as create more enjoyment and inclusion for the people bringing families and partners.

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me. But in the meantime, please start arranging your flights for Friday August 16th (or earlier).

Matt Natalotto is a former resident of Vietnam and ongoing Swannie who just happens to live in Manila.

He played for the Swannies in the weekend’s Manila Cup and has prepared the following tournament report.

All football tours offer something different. The 2013 Manila Cup provided the opportunity for the Vietnam Swans to induct a couple of new players on their first international tour (Josh Daly, Trent Davies and Tray Fallon (?)), to have a genuine attempt at acquiring some more silverware and a stage to say farewell to their dominant captain and club legend, Luke Creamer, club leaders and inspirational players Dave O’Shea, Ryan Evans, Nick Moger, Marty Beecroft and Brian Farrell.

The stage was set and the team congregated at the impressive Manila Polo Club early morning Saturday in anticipation of their first game against long time rivals the Hong Kong Dragons. The Swans arrived quietly confident knowing the team had a solid core group who had now racked up many international wins together over the past few years.

GAME 1 – Vietnam Swans Vs Hong Kong Dragons

The three group games began at 9:15 am and it was the Swans who jumped the Dragons to achieve an early 4 goal lead! Andy Glendinning (Coach) had masterfully applied a strategy for the short ground and to accommodate the rule of only being able to shoot goals from inside a 35m arc. This involved pushing a defender into the middle which ensured numbers at the ball and gained the Swans important mid field dominance early in the game.

But the Dragons are a very skilful and experienced team and late in the first half they began to push back and managed a couple of late goals. The Swans held the Dragons thoughout most of second half with some incredibly skillful and damaging plays starting with Bill Crang pushing out of defense, linking up with Dukesy and Dave in the midfield who then fed Revo and other forwards to keep the scores ticking over. The guys deserved the lead and deserved to win – but a couple of missed opportunities and an accurate Hong Kong allowed the Dragons back into the game.

With just seconds to go, the Dragons kicked what would be the winning goal. The siren sounded at the following bounce down and the Swans were denied any chance to recapture the lead. A heart breaking loss after such a dominant performance.

Game 1 Result: Hong Kong Dragons def. Vietnam Swans 7.1. 43 to 6.2. 38 (TBC)

GAME 2 – Vietnam Swans Vs Alabang

The Swans entered Game 2 in a must-win scenario and played with a must-win attitude. From the outset the Alabang Team were under constant and extreme pressure and this time the Swans made it count on the scoreboard. Nathan and Sean Milner attacked the ball with even more ferocity than ever, Marty in the ruck and the midfield team went on a field day and Revo and Timmay converted.

The Alabang team comprised a base of local rugby players so although they were a fit and strong group they lacked the knowledge and skill of AFL. A big win was recorded but the Swans were not getting ahead of themselves.

Game 2 Result: Vietnam Swans def. Alabang (final score tbc)

GAME 3 – Vietnam Swans vs Barbarians

The final Group Game against the Barbarians went a similar path to Game 2 with the Swans dominating from the outset. If at all possible the intensity lifted as the Vietnam boys smelled and secured victory to contemplate a semi final appearance.

The 2 Group stage victories lifted morale and the boys went into the lunchtime break with confidence and no fear no matter who their opponent might be in the semi final.

Game 3 Result: Vietnam Swans def. Barbarians. Score TBC

Semi Final – Vietnam Swans Vs Philippine Eagles 

Vietnam faced the host nation after they successfully accounted for the defending champs, Malaysia, in their group stage.

The importance and urgency of sudden death stage was not lost on players from either team and an increased determination and desperation was visible from the outset. Before the game, the Swans team had the privilege of being addressed by (former Essendon and North Melbourne Great) who emphasized the importance of getting to the ball first and not playing from behind. His words were not lost on us and the efforts of New Josh Daley and Nathan Milner have to be recognized for their incredible work load in this game.

On a dry, hard and dusty center square they threw themselves under the packs on countless efforts. Their work, along with their midfield associates began to pay off as Vietnam skipped to a small lead. However the Eagles were also starting to link up and in a super tough first half, it was the Philippines team which held a small half time lead.

However, not done with, the Swans came out in the second half with a do or die determination. A fantastic display of team work the Swans kicked two early goals to reclaim the lead.

In one of the most intense games I have ever been a part of, the lead changed hands several more times before the Swans goaled and appeared to have claimed victory with less than a minute on the clock remaining.  But football can be a cruel sport sometimes and the cruelest of twists was yet to come.

The Eagles made one last push and a turnover from the Swans was all they needed to again snatch the lead. This time there was only seconds left once the ball was returned to the middle and the siren sounded to break the hearts of all the Swannies players and supporters present and abroad.

I had joined the team on this day knowing a sense of sadness would be present at some point with this overseas competition being the last for Dave, Dukesy, Revo, Moggy, Brian and Lurch. However I did not anticipate this cruel blow. We all felt the pain. It hurt bad. However the pain was soon replaced by a sense of satisfaction and overwhelming pride as the game caller and much of the crowd commended the Swans players on a valiant effort. We couldn’t bring home the Cup but we held the Swans flag very high and importantly maintained the high level of respect the other Asian footy nations now hold for the Swans.

Semi Final Result: Vietnam Swans def. by Philippine Eagles. Score TBC

The Final – The Philippine Eagles Vs Singapore Wombats

The Philippine Eagles went on to win the cup, again by a late goal – this time after the final siren to defeat Singapore in a thrilling final! In fact the sporting world has a new reference for  “Thrilla in Manila”. In their 10^th year the Manila Cup is the first ever victory for the Eagles in any completion.

To see video of the goal after the siren in the Grand Final, .

Well done Eagles.

To see photos: .

Tourers: Luke “Dukesy” Creamer, Andy Glendinning, Dave O’Shea, Bill Crang, Ryan “Revo” Evans, Paul “Mr Powell” Koch, Sean Milner, Nathan Milner, Phil Ghasseb, Tra Vy Fallon,  Josh Lee, Josh “Newer” Daly, Brian Farrell, Nick “Moggy” Moger, Matty Natalotto, Trent Davies, Mike Weissbluth and Rodney “Rocket” Gillett.

Former Swannie Resident and Original Shinboner of the Century (the Shinboner that even other shinboners talk about), Natty Payne has emailed the Swannies with the following report from Melbourne:

“Had this bloke sleep on my couch the other night. Tells me he played for the Swans but I don’t believe him as he doesn’t have one of those farewell trophies.

“He was very confused.

“As you can see the #12 jumper (proudly worn by Natty Payne himself in his day), which I dare say has been retired, doesn’t fit very well.”

The Swannies have followed up on Payne’s story. It turns out the bloke sleeping on his couch the other day was none other than former Skipper (Dukesy’s predecessor), Danny “Monkey” Monk.

Monkey was another famous Swannie for a number of reasons, including:

• Playing an Allan Border-like role in building up an inexperienced team which he then handed over to Dukesy upon his return to Australia (let the dialogue now commence between Dukesy and Monkey…).
• Being a sensational player.
• Being the Swannies’ pin up boy for our 2009 AFL Grand Final poster; and
• Delivering the recruit of the season, Monkey’s Josh (who was to head up a long line of Joshes who have served this club).

In related news, sources in Bandung, Indonesia are suggesting that the former Swannies president and man behind the controversial AFL Finals column on this website, Taber Talk, is also asking questions about not having received a farewell trophy.

The farewell trophy was introduced 18 months ago for all departing players. Next month, there will be a truckload handed out as we farewell heaps.

Swannies may need to look at delivering some trophies retrospectively where practicable.

Go you Swannies!

Coming up – Manila Cup Match report!

Full match report from the 2013 Manila Cup where the Swannies went down by a kick on the siren – in two of our four games (including the semi final).

Matt Natalotto reports from Manila re yesterday’s exciting finish to the Manila Cup:

“The Philippines Eagles won the 2013 Manila Cup.

“In the semi final, they knocked out the Vietnam Swans with a goal in the final second.

“In the Grand Final, the Eagles beat Singapore Wombats in a great Grand Final kicking the winning goal after the final siren!!

“Swannies’ Skipper, Dukesy, picked up the Player of the Tournament.

“I’m doing a match report now…”

Photos available

• To see photos from the Manila Cup, click onto the .
• To see video footage of the Eagles win in the Grand Final, with a goal after the siren, .

Tomorrow, 25 May, 2013, eight teams from around Asia will converge on Manila, Philippines, to fight it out for the Manila International Cup.

Below is a press release from the Tournament organisers, the , that was published yesterday on the .

Over 160 players from Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Hong Kong, as well as three local teams, will converge on the Manila Polo Club grounds to compete in a lightening premiership style Aussie Rules tournament.

To take out the ultimate prize, the winning team will have to play six 24-minute games in the scorching 35-degree heat.

The tournament has caught the attention of many of the AFL’s greats with former champions Ron Barrassi, Doug Wade, Dale Weightman, Jim Jess, Simon Beasley, Barry Davis, Murray Weideman and Stephen Carey in attendance.

The touring teams will be mainly made up of expatriate Australians, however the host team, the Philippine Eagles, will very much be bringing a local flavour.  Former TAC Cup Northern Knights players, and Filipino citizens, Evan Spargo and Winner Santos will be crucial to the Eagles’

Dave O’Shea loves the footy. If he’s not playing, he’s training. If he’s not training, he’s writing about when he will be playing.

In another stunning piece of brilliant journalism, Dave reports below on this weekend’s Mega Manila Cup.

The Vietnam Swans will embark on the Manila Cup for the first time in the year of their 10th anniversary.

The Manila Cup is one of the most prized tournaments in all of Asia and the Swans will be represented with one of their strongest teams on paper since the Indochina Cup last year. The Swans have not won a match in 2013. With losses to Cambodia, Malaysia and Jakarta, the Swans find themselves on the bottom of the EAAFL ladder. They will be hoping to win their first match of the year in Manila.

The Draw was released earlier in the week and the Swans will play Asian heavyweights, the Hong Kong Dragons, in their first game. The Swans will be looking for revenge after the Dragons knocked the Swans out of last year’s semi final of the Asian Championships in Thailand. The Dragons went on to win the tournament and the Swans were relegated to 4^th due to their semi final loss to the strong Hong Kong outfit.

The Swans have also drawn a Barbarians team which will be represented by players from a number of different countries throughout Asia. The other team in the pool is a Philippines team called Alabang. An unknown team but, playing at their home ground in the flip, should be quite strong.

The Swans will need to finish first or second in their pool to make the semi finals. The other pool looks stronger on paper. It also consists of four teams: Malaysia, Philippines, Laos and Singapore.

This will be the last tour for a number of gun Swannies. Captain Dukesy; Ryan ‘Revo’ Evans; Brian ‘Dirty’ Farrell; Nick ‘Moggy’ Moger and Dave ‘great bloke’ O’Shea (Ed’s note: written and authorised by Dave O’Shea) all will be bidding farewell soon after this event. All five of these guys have been absolutely awesome for the Swans, both on and off the field. Some of their accolades and achievements are below.

Dukesy is a 3 time Swannies’ best and fairest winner, 3 time All Asia representative, 3 times winning captain at the Indochina Cup, Best player at the Indochina Cup 2011.

Revo was BOG in last year’s ANZAC Friendship Match against the China Reds. He was also a member of the last two winning Indochina Cup teams. Also responsible for the writing of the Swannies Team Song which we will be hoping to sing aloud in Manila.

Irish and Gaelic convert, Dirty Brian was awarded the Swannies’ Most Improved Player in 2012. He was also a member of the 2012 winning Indochina Cup team. Dirty Brian has now established himself as one of the Swannies most valuable players for his ferocious attack on the ball and hard tackling.

Moggy was a member of the 2011-12 winning Indochina Cup team. He also played in this year’s ANZAC Friendship Match. He can always be relied upon to kick goals. Off the field he looks after ‘The Horn’ when ‘The Horn’ gets too drunk to look after himself.

Dave O’Shea has been part of the 2011-12 winning Indochina Cup Team. He was also a member of the previous two ANZAC Friendship clashes. He is mega pumped for Manila. Don’t worry about that!!!

All five of these legends will be missed hugely by the club. In saying that, there are a number of superstar youngsters coming through. Both Joshes will be looking for big tournaments. These guys are fit and are the future of the Swans.

Speaking of the future, Billy Crang was announced as the future captain last week. He will be pumped to show the fans and younger players just how valuable he is for the Swans.

The Swannies will unleash superstar brothers Sean and Nathan Milner. These brothers make AFL brothers the Shaws look talentless, the McVeighs unskillful and the Selwoods soft.

Some of the old stalwarts of the club in Phil G, Travy and Powelly have signed up and are all super excited for this event. They will no doubt be putting in every effort to send their mates out as winners.

As well as youngsters, veterans, future captains, brothers and departees the Swannies will also welcome back a couple of Club legends in Matty Nat and Timmay! These boys can play and will be looking to show the Swannies fans just what they have been missing.

And we also have a super new recruit in Trent Davies. He flys into Saigon today from Adelaide for a stint in Vietnam. Tomorrow he flys out with the team for the Manila Cup. Welcome to the Swannies, Trenter!!

Coach Andy has been working the boys harder than ever at training the last few months. He told reporters recently that the players are fitter than ever and this should come in handy with the smaller numbers and big ground in Manila. He went on to say that our game plan will be to run, run and run some more…

This is a tournament that the Swans players are absolutely pumped for. This one’s not just for the departing members, this is for the whole Swans’ community.

CARN THE SWANNIES!!!!

Hot off the Press: Legendary Vietnam umpire ‘Rocket’ has just signed up for the tour. He will be wearing the green vest and come on late in matches as a Super Sub. This guy can do it all!!!!

Tourers: Luke “Dukesy” Creamer, Andy Glendinning, Dave O’Shea, Bill Crang, Ryan “Revo” Evans, Kyle Hackenberg, Paul “Mr Powell” Koch, Sean Milner, Nathan Milner, Phil Ghasseb, Tra Vy Fallon,  Josh Lee, Josh “Newer” Daly, Brian Farrell, Nick “Moggy” Moger, Matty Natalotto and Trent Davies.

Every Sunday morning back in Australia, ABC Radio has the very popular program, , which is hosted by “Macca”.

Last Sunday, 19 May, Peter, a Vietnam Veteran, called Macca from Sapa, north of Hanoi. Peter is currently travelling in Vietnam with Stan and Sinh Middleton in a tour group of 33.

Pete, mentioned that it was the first time back in Vietnam for most of the group, including his wife who he brought here “to show her where we were”.

Peter described the ANZAC Dawn Service at Long Tan in the rubber plantation, “watching the sun come up” as a “very emotional experience”.

Macca asked if the trip was a healing process to which Peter replied, “I think it is”. Naturally, “it’s all changed in 45 years”.

Then Peter noted that:

“It’s amazing how many Australians are working here in Vietnam. There was a game of Aussie Rules played here the Saturday after ANZAC Day. It was played at Vung Tau. That was between Australians living in Vietnam (Vietnam Swans) and Australians living in Indonesia (Jakarta Bintangs)… and you had 4-500 Australians and Vietnamese watching around this pretty rugged sort of an oval eating meat pies and hot dogs.

“Then that night we had a dinner with all these people. All just in together.”

“Great stuff.”

Listen to the original audio track

To listen to the original audio track, click onto the website. On the homepage, find “Listen to last week’s show”. Then click on “8am to 9am AEST”.

Peter starts talking at 8.48am.

Please note that the audio link will only remain valid until 26 May, 2013.

The Vietnam Swans’ National Treasurer, Rowan Luke reports that a total of USD2,550 was directly raised for charity on the ANZAC Friendship Weekend. Rowan’s report is below.

I am pleased to report that the ANZAC Friendship Weekend directly raised USD2,550 for charity.

Funds payable to charity from gate takings and raffle ticket sales for the ANZAC Friendship Match, less ground expenses (eg licence fees, sound systems, watering systems, ride on mowers etc) was VND20.7m (approx USD1,000).

Further, an additional $1,550 was raised from the following items at auction:

• West Coast Eagles jumper signed by 2013 team – $510
• 2012 AFL FInals Series footy signed by Adam Goodes – $500
• Brisbane Lions “home” jumper signed by Michael Voss (coach) and Jonathon Brown (Captain) – $390
• Two nights’ accommodation at the  – $150

With the exception of the Adam Goodes footy, the proceeds will be split evenly between and the (Centre for Social Protection of Children) and disbursed shortly. Proceeds from the Adam Goodes footy, which was donated by Water Safety Vietnam (WSV), have already been paid to WSV.

The Swans wish to thank all of those people who made generous contributions to the gate takings and raffle ticket sales, along with those who devoted their time to assist in raising the funds.

Additionally, the Club would also like to acknowledge and thank those who separately made donations directly to these charities (including Lagler Australia) and to those who donated items for auction.

Buy one of these exclusive jumpers – and help a charity!

The Vietnam Swans still have four more amazing items of memorabilia available for purchase. We want to turn these items into cash. Swim Vietnam and the Vung Tau Orphanage can do lots more with cash compared with items sitting in storage. Place a bid and help change a life.

• GWS jumper signed by the 2013 team (current bid: $200)
• Brisbane Lions “away” jumper signed by Voss and Brown (current bid: $150)
• Yellow Sherrin footy signed by the West Coast footy team (current bid: $150)
• Penrith Panthers jumper signed by team (current bid: $200)

Email the with your bid now – before we place the items on eBay!

The Manila Cup will be held in Manila on 25 May, 2013.

With the Jakarta Bintangs withdrawing from the Cup and being replaced by the Barbarians, the organisers have had to adjust the draw slightly.

The pools are still the same but the game times have been adjusted slightly.

The amended draw is below.

Time                              Field 1                                   Field 2

8.30am                         Malaysia Vs Singapore      Alabang Vs Barbarians
9.15am                         Philippines Vs Lao             Vietnam Vs Hong Kong
10.00am                        Singapore Vs Lao               Barbarians Vs Hong Kong
10.45am                        Malayisa Vs Philippines   Alabang Vs Vietnam
11.30am                         Malaysia Vs Lao                Vietnam Vs Barbarians
12.15pm                         Philippines Vs Singapore Hong Kong Vs Alabang

Break

1.45pm                          Semi Final 1: Pool A #1 Vs Pool B #2. Semi Final 2: Pool B #1 Vs Pool A #2
2.15pm                          PAFL Juniors Game
3.00pm                          Grand Final: Winner Semi Final #1 Vs Winner Semi Final #2
4.15pm                          Awards and presentations