A reflection on the Swannies’ past three weeks
Posted by Vietnam Swans on May 21, 2014
At least 20 Swannies caught up in Melbourne last Sunday to remember Nick Shiells.
Former National President, Phil Johns, reflects on the how the Club has managed the passing of Nick Shiells.
It’s been a crazy and surreal three weeks for everyone since the terrible news about Nick’s passing became known on 30 April.
While the Swannies did not have the power to change what had happened, we did have the power to offer support and help with logistics for Nick’s family, friends and each other in Saigon.
The Swannies’ effort was led magnificently by our new President, Josh Lee, who assumed the position just three months earlier back in January.
In Melbourne, the Swannies were also well represented in club colours at Nick’s Memorial Service held last Friday.
Again, the Swannies came out in force last Sunday in Melbourne to remember Nick; to share stories and to better process the pain and learnings associated with Nick’s passing.
At a time like this, in dreadful circumstances, I have felt so lucky and proud to be associated with this Club. When things matter most, the Club is there with such a strong presence.
At a time like this, it is inevitable that the momentous significance of the occasion dwarfs and trivialises what we do best: play footy.
But the irony is that playing footy continues to be the most important thing that our Club does. It’s the glue that cements our friendships and sense of community that provides us with unlimited good times, helps us in difficult times and gives us the drive to support multiple good causes.
On Saturday 31 May 2014, the Vietnam Swans will climb back in the saddle to take on seven other teams in the Manila Cup.
As Swannie, Timmay Clements has just said, “We are a week and half out from taking out our first international tournament and it’s time to switch on!”
Go you Swannies!
Willy said
the loss of Nickus is too huge to comprehend but we all know deep down he travels with us in our hearts every single day.
Anytime a person is lucky enough to pull on a Vietnam Swans jumper they will always be able to stand tall and proud and state with complete conviction “this is a humbling privilege cause it’s the same colours our Prez Nicko wore!!” And as Nicko would want no matter what the outcome have us shake our opponent’s hand and share a bia or two with them & his fellow Swannies after.
We salute you Nickus the greatest Vietnam Swannie I will ever know (ok along with Faaarbo ;)
When we meet again mate, no doubt we will share digg’n a hole or 2 together, a bia or 3 & of course a dob of the sherrin.
Love you always mate
&
Go you Swannies!!