2016 Presentation and Awards Night

The Vietnam Swans wrapped up 2016 in conjunction with the Saigon Gaels on Saturday 10^th December, after what was undoubtedly our biggest year yet. The day kicked off with a mixed match of half-Gaelic and half-AFL, with a strong showing of over 45 players getting involved despite the smog. The match continued the strong legacy of mixed participation between the two clubs that has developed over the past two years, with everyone eager to get involved with the Saigon mixed 9’s tournament in January.

The Swannies held the annual AGM before the presentation night, reflecting on an enormous year that has included five international tours, Vung Tau and Hanoi boot camps, the 7^th ANZAC Friendship Match and McMillan Dinner, the second Central Vietnam Games, player open days in Hanoi and Saigon, Grand Final parties, and of course hosting the 17^th AFL Asian Championships. All in attendance at the AGM agreed that 2016 has been a hugely successful year for the Club, with one of the prouder accomplishments being the establishment and delivery of a Local Player Development strategy that saw us bring local players to each tour, culminating in a record seven Vietnamese players taking part in the Indochina Cup in Myanmar.

After serving two years as President – a period in which the club underwent significant growth and development – Grant Keys officially stepped down from his role with the Vietnam Swans, as he prepares for the move back to sunny Canberra in 2017. The Club will be forever indebted to Grant for the passion, innovation, commitment and the hundreds of hours of work he put in during his time as President, and we wish him, Alison and their family all the best in their future endeavors. During the AGM, the Club voted in its new leadership group, and we are delighted to welcome Eric Kerrison as the 2017 Vietnam Swans President and Dan Morrison as Vice President. All other committee positions will be finalized in the coming weeks, and we look forward to sharing our 2017 vision with you soon!

With official proceedings out of the way, an impressive crowd of 70 Swannies, Gaels and friends sat back to enjoy the outstanding hospitality of Al Fresco’s while the 2016 awards ceremony got underway. We’d like to wish a huge congratulations to all award winners, and we can’t wait for 2017!

2016 Ladies Saigon Gaels Award Winners

Best and Fairest: Victoria Rosenthal

Most Improved: Jo Forbes Salmon

“Golden Gael” Player’s Player: Victoria Rosenthal

2016 Vietnam Swans Award Winners

Luke Creamer Best and Fairest Award: Nathan Milner

Runner Up Best and Fairest: James Bairstow and Grant Keys

Coach’s Most Improved Award: Nguyen Dinh Anh

Best Local Player Award: Nguyen Quang Vinh

Rick Trewavas Player’s Player Award: Luke Turner

Nick Shiells President’s Award for Best Clubman: Tim Burdeu

Final Vote Count