Background on the ANZAC Friendship Match

Vung Tau served as the Australians logistics base during the Vietnam/American War and, more specifically, the match will be played at the Greyhound Racing Track. The Greyhound track was formerly known as the Lord Mayor’s Oval – and the venue for footy tournaments back in 1966-71

The Hanoi Hawks, wearing two black armbands, hold the plate aloft after a thrilling one point victory in the inaugural ANZAC Friendship Match, 2010.

Against this backdrop of sensitivities, the Vietnam Swans feel extremely privileged to be able to host our ANZAC Friendship Match. We wear two black armbands to respect all who have fallen and to share the vision of one bright future.

The Friendship Match, first played in 2010 as an internal game between Hanoi and Saigon, went international with the China Reds attending in 2011 and 2012, Jakarta Bintangs in 2013 and the Malaysian Warriors in 2014.

Our Friendship Match brings together two worlds from two different eras: Vietnam 1970 and present day Vietnam.  For all of us who have chosen to live and work here Vietnam is such an exciting, vibrant, generous and welcoming country.

We also use the occasion to raise money for local orphanages and swimming education initiatives that will save young lives. In Vietnam, more children currently die from drowning than road accidents.

We warmly invite people to attend the ANZAC Friendship Match each year in the spirit of friendship and respect – and to have an amazing day at the footy.

Further Reading

  • Stan Middleton,
  • 60 Minutes, , by Peter Harvey. The story was aired on 13 August 2006.
  • – documentary (100 mins) narrated by Sam Worthington.
  • Redgum,

ANZAC Friendship Match History

2016

Vietnam Swans def by
Jakarta Bintags

2015

ANZAC Poster LayoutVietnam Swans 2.2 8.5 8.6 (13.12.90) def
Singapore Wombats 2.3 2.4 5.7 (7.7.49)
Goals Swans: Doer 3, Keys 3, Skowronski 2, Vile 2, Glendinning, Hyde, Clements.
Best Swans: Mitch Hyde, Tom Doer, David Skowronski, Grant Keys, Tim Pickert

2014

Vietnam Swans  def
Malaysia Warriors

2013

Vietnam Swans 8.11.59 def by
Jakarta Bintags 10.9.69

  • Youtube,
  • Youtube,

2012

Vietnam Swans  12. 7. 79 def
China Reds 7. 14. 56

2011

Vietnam Swans  12. 17. 89 def
Hong Kong Dragons 7. 5. 47

Best (Dragons); Bowski, Dave Kerr, Dunn, Ian Mac.
Best (Swans); Hadley, Hornblower, Shiels, Ellis, Meres.

  • 25 April, 2011, . Peter Harvey, 6pm National Nine News (via You Tube).
  • 25 April, . Telephone interview with Peter Harvey, 5pm National Nine News (via You Tube).
  • 24 April, . Peter Harvey reports on the match between the Vietnam Swans and Hong Kong Dragons for Channel 9 News (via You Tube).
  • 21-26 April, , AFL Footy Record. Previews Richard “Ossie” Osborne’s trip to Vietnam for the 2011 ANZAC friendship Match and the work being done to help save Vietnamese lives through new swimming initiatives. (Click onto Page 15 of the .)
  • Adam Martin,

2010

Hanoi Hawks 10.3.63 def
Saigon Saints 9.8.62

  • , 23-25 April, 2010 (pictorial presentation)
  • The Vung Tau Wrap Up. A review of the ANZAC weekend, Vung Tau, 2010 (story on Vietnam Swans website)
  • Aussie Rules during the Vietnam War
  • Photos of Aussie Rules matches during the War. Click
  • , Riding On Magazine (Ulysses Club) reviews, including the match.
  • The Vietnam Swans Inaugural ANZAC Friendship Match 2010 (, ,  ) Vietnam Veterans Debrief Magazine, Winter, 2010.
  • , TPI Chin Up Vietnam Veterans Magazine. Looks at the Vietnam Swans Inaugural ANZAC Friendship Match.
  • .
  • , by Peter Harvey, 60 Minutes. The story was aired on 13 August 2006.