VS: So you’ve played one game for one big win this season (the ANZAC Day game), how would you rate your form going into the home and away Cambodia games?

NM: The team is looking great after the awesome comeback win in Manila. I’m looking forward to having a run again especially with my parents on the sidelines cheering me on (they are visiting this week). But the unstoppable Milner brothers duo may not be happening for what may be the first time in history. Sean has informed me that he is not sure if he will pass the pre-game medical check (eds note: that sounds familiar!).

VS: How do you think the Swannies overall preparation is going into the game?

NM: Training the last couple weeks has unfortunately been a bit low on numbers. Maybe we are having a break coming off the Manila win, but I hope we don’t think we are gonna roll Cambodia. They are always looking to beat us and will come out hard. Remember boys, the win won’t just happen. We need to play like ANZAC day and Manila, 110% for the ball and work hard for each other.

VS: Coming of the prestigious Dukesy Medal last season do you feel any pressure to perform?

NM: Haha, it was such an honor to get such a medal and hope this year and I can continue to help build the culture and community of this great club.

VS: Lately there’s been some pressure on back line positions with guys like Trent, Sha Mac, Pierre, Roy and co looking like likely half back flanks, are there any other positions you’d consider if team balance called for it?

NM: It’s awesome how much talent is pouring into the club. Sha Mac, Pierre and Roy have very good skills, especially kicking and Trent will win the 50/50 ball all day. Honestly I get lost on the ball. I can’t run around like Tommy who gets 40 possessions on a bad day and I’m better at punching the ball rather than marking it. So if I’m not on the back flank, perhaps a back pocket or a defensive wingman would be alright.

VS: Who are you looking out for for big games this weekend?

NM: I’m looking to see Tom put in another BOG effort, also keen to see how Roy and Pierre go, not sure if I have seen them in an international game yet. Chris Salmon is also starting to get a good feel for the game, so would love to see him turn it on. It’s also gonna be interesting to see who will step into Mitch’s place… Is Timmy C going to kick 10 goals straight as he has always tells me he did in his former days? Gonna be a great game and lots of fun. Really looking forward to it. Go the Swannies!!!

Trophy Hangover
Will the Swans come up after a 1st half of the season which saw some guys training 4 days a week to lift the ANZAC trophy vs the Asian Champ Singapore Wombats, and the Manila Cup vs every other super power in Asian Footy?  There’s no doubt the horns have been honking in Vietnam but are the guys able to maintain this sort of intensity? Rumours are swirling that the captain has been seen streaking in Pasteur St rather than attending trainings in recent weeks. The return of the Irishmen from their soccer duties always throws a spanner into the best laid plans. The teaching brigade including last minute hero Vaughan Swart are in other hemispheres, and the Hanoian contingent (except Manila cup MVP Tommy D) who have been instrumental in the early season successes aren’t making the trip.

The Swans have done alot of celebrating this season but will it affect their mid season form?

Step Up in Saigon

Timmy P tells us there’s been 5 Step Up films – while he likes them they are in reality piles of mud – could this be the first decent step up script ever?  A lot of guys will be making RMIT debuts, including ‘Rampaging’ Roy Horgan, Pierre ‘Fan-favorite’ Braun, Jason ‘Danang Directory’s most consistent poster’ Carter, and even the ‘so hot right now’ Tom Doer. We saw in Manila how guys can take their moment in this style of footy so it’ll be great to see these guys grabbing their chances. 2/3 of the Swannies engine room from the Manila triumph are actually cheating on the Swans right now in the US of A leaving a huge chance for the ever charging Tuan Nhan, the silky Timmy P and Hanoi’s finest Tommy D to take charge.

Timmy P loves the Step Up films but can the Swannies new guns Step Up to the Eagles heat???

The Weather

This time of year Saigon holds plenty of surprises. Will it be a slugfest in a tropical downpour? Will it be blazing sun and 110% humidity like the final Saturday session at Saigon Paintball?  How will Coach Andy handle his team line ups as this changes?  The Eagles boast some of the craftiest and experienced footballers in Asia, the Swans some of the least experienced. Could the weather throw the old guys an advantage or will they wilt in the heat?

The Big Fella

Where is he? Rumours abound he’s been seen crawling out of South East Asia’s pubs and clubs for the past week including some of Saigon’s finest, but has already scratched himself from this weekend’s game. The Swans have switched to using their not so gentle giant in attack this season with astonishing results. There’s another Hanoian monster looking to take his title this weekend and the cries of “kick it to Keysey” will switch to “kick it to Marty”. Can he produce the same results? In the guts, size looks another factor with James Bairstow now missing in action, occasionally popping up in Facebook feeds from different corners of the planet. The Swans will have to pull some part-timers from their regular positions to try and match up on what is always a tall but athletic Eagles mid-field brigade. On that note there’s a brigade of little fellas (and girls) heading our way for the half time Auskick game vs the Saigon Colts. Vietnam’s first ever international Auskick game is sure to be a ripper too!

The BBQ

Tra Vy hasn’t been seen around the footy field much this season but it’s finally apparent why. He’s been preparing the best sausages in the world for a Super Special Saturday feast at this week’s game! You won’t find a better Aussie feed on the Asian continent so the price of admission (free) will be worth it just for the feed. Will he pull on the boots??? That remains to be seen as does so much, but this weekend will surely go down as one of the finest in Vietnamese Asian Footy history.

The Swans v Eagles rivalry is a strong and historic one and it is great to see the teams getting a back to back series happening through the middle of the season. Make sure to be at RMIT from 1.30pm this Saturday the 4th of July for the game, and from 7pm upstairs at the Spotted Cow for the best buffet and free flow drinks around.

Heading up the White team were Dan Morrison and Siobhan Synott, while the Reds were led by Timmy Pickert and Maz Scanlon. The captains picked out their teams, with both showing different strengths on paper. The whites had a few more Irish boys familiar with the round ball, while the reds boasted some powerful Swannies midfielders. Andy G was still licking his knee-wounds from the previous week’s Manila Cup and volunteered to umpire, as did Tuan Nhan who got his first taste of being on the other end of the whistle (and the abuse that comes with it!). Timmy C however was fed up with being on the sidelines, and broken-finger-aside, jumped in for the reds.

The whites came out strong, scoring several 3-point “overs” within the first 10 minutes. Timmy Burdeu made up for his absence in Manila, while Siobhan was stealing over-head marks left, right and centre. The reds however were not dejected, and came back late in the first quarter to seal an over and a 6-point goal to tighten the score. Both teams changed things up a bit at quarter time, and the second quarter was another close affair with multiple goals and overs scored by each side. Gaels coach Cormac and his Irish visitor Steve showed some great speed and round-ball skill in the whites’ midfield, while new Gaels recruit (and long-term rugby player) Heather Turkle showed that she can dominate regardless of the ball or the rules. Timmy Pickert was fantastic for the reds, with Hannah, Jess W and Nath Milner providing great support. The team selection was looking pretty even, with the whites leading by less than a goal at the half time break.

The third quarter saw even more positional mix-ups, with Maz deciding that Nath Milner was being wasted in goals and jumping in to send him up forward. This paid off well with Nath impacting the scoreboard, while a few lucky saves by Maz (with brilliant defensive assistance from Billy, Andy G – who threw in the umpires whistle, and Krystal) preventing the score from blowing out with some strong attacking play by the whites. The whites were up by 2 points going in to the final term, setting the scene for what promised to be a nail-biting finish.

Alas, the whites had other ideas, coming out firing and impacting the scoreboard hard and fast. The over-reliance on Manila-exhausted Swannies in the red team hit them in the last quarter, with many players unable to keep up with the pace set by the whites. Some great goals by Irish Steve, Siobhan and Bart sealed the deal for the white team before everyone was happy to retire to a cold beer in the scorching heat.

Best players:

Whites – Siobhan, Cormac, Irish Steve, Timmy B, Heather, Roy

Reds – Timmy P, Nath Milner, Hannah, Jess W, Billy

With only 4 days’ notice, we were delighted with a turnout of 40 people on the day. The Saigon mixed games have proven time and time again to be a great day out, and are a fantastic way to get new people involved with the Swans or the Gaels. The relationship between the two clubs continues to go from strength to strength, with the mixed games being a huge contributor to this. We will be holding our next mixed game after the summer break, and encourage anyone that may be interested in joining the club to get involved!

Drowning is the number one injury related killer of children in Vietnam. Over 6,400 people drown every year in Vietnam (2012 Vietnam Ministry of Health Injury Mortality Report).  Swim Vietnam trains swimming teachers, builds swimming pools and establishes swim schools which give free swimming and water safety lessons to prevent children from drowning.

In May 2015, Swim Vietnam achieved a fantastic milestone – teaching their 10,000^th child in Vietnam to swim. Joanne Stewart from Swim Vietnam shared this story with us:

“This is Ngoc.  She is 10 years old. 

Six weeks ago she could not swim at all.  Now she can swim 25 meters, tread water for 2 minutes and knows basic lifesaving skills so she can help save her friends and family if they are in trouble in the water. 

She is the 10,000th child to be taught to swim by Swim Vietnam.

Ngoc (and 9,999 other children) can now swim and survive as a result of the constant support and encouragement Swim Vietnam has received from the Vietnam Swans.  We would like all the Swannies to give themselves a well-deserved clap on the back.  Thank you from the Swim Vietnam team and from all the children you have helped us teach to swim.”

All of us at the Vietnam Swans would like to congratulate Swim Vietnam for the fantastic work that they do to combat drowning in the country. We are very proud to support this work, and look forward to continuing this relationship in the future!

To learn more about Swim Vietnam, follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SwimVietnam) or check out their website at www.swimvietnam.com .

The Swannies entered the tournament as massive underdogs, a home defeat to the undefeated Malaysian Warriors (who came into the tournament on a high having also defeated Thailand Tigers and Jakarta Bintangs), the ever strong 5-time Manila Cup Champions the Hong Kong Dragons and the home side, the Philippine Eagles all more favored. While this suited the Swans, they went into the Cup quietly confident of turning Asian Footy on its head.

An unlikely source within the Vietnam committee had given senior Swans players no option but to go into the tournament breathing fire, anything but a win and our beloved treasurer Rowan was leaving his post. He had decided the Swannies had been competitive at the highest levels of Asian footy for long enough and only taking that next step would do.

The senior players not only took on the pressure they thrived on it. They knew this was the best team the Swans had taken to the Manila Cup and never before had a team prepared so well.

Great to see legendary Swannie Dave O’Shea back in Swannies colours

Veteran and soon to depart gun mid Mitch Hyde set up grueling twice weekly gym sessions. New Vice Captain Timmy Pickert set up Wednesday night skill sessions. Joe Vile had the Hanoi training scene in order. All the boys worked harder than ever on the track and the leadership group put together a game plan to bring cup back from Manila and put the Swannies up there with the top realms of Asian footy once and for all. When confirmation came that legendary Swan Dave O’Shea was to make his way to Manila to once again pull on a Swannies jumper, all the pieces had come together. Semi Finals wouldn’t cut it anymore and 18 blokes had one mission when they headed for the Philippines.

The day dawned like most in Manila, hot, humid and hectic. The Swans preparation was slightly hampered when it was realised that no whiteboard had made the trip, Precious couldn’t get his hair quite right and Trent Davies was AWOL, but in each case the team adapted and no-one lost sight of the bigger picture.

Round 1: Swans 8.3.51 def Hong Kong Dragons 4.3.27

Coach Glendinning would emphasise tackling at the Manila Cup and no one obliged more than Tuan Nhan

The first match of the day gave the Swans the perfect opportunity to send a statement. Asian footy powerhouse the Hong Kong Dragons dominate around these parts and for the Swans, anything but an upset would be acceptable to get the day off to the right start. Coach Glendinning would emphasise tackling throughout the day and his players responded with players such as Tuan Nhan and Trent Davies throwing themselves into every contest.

The Swans midfield of Hyde, O’Shea and exciting young Hanoian recruit Tom Doer promised to be our crown jewel but with big Keysy unable to run any further than 20 meters in straight lines without breaking down, James Bairstow nursing a twisted knee, Vaughan Swart required down back to tame opposition full forwards, the big question was who was going to Ruck and will the mids be able to get their hands on it???  Left with no other option, Captain Billy Crang was inserted into the middle to rekindle illusions of former midfield glory. While the old boy may not have had the ‘ups’ of his opponent, his superior body work and the Swans mids superior skill and fitness levels were enough to allow the Swannies to rack up plenty of clearances right from the first bounce.

Player of the Tournament Tommy Doer dancing around his HK opposition

The Swannies piled offensive pressure on the Dragons and big Keysy and the rest of the forward line obliged. The Swans went into half time comfortably up and the makings of a memorable day started to fall into place. The Dragons came out breathing fire in the second half, getting back 2 of the 5 goals they lost in the first half and causing some nerves before the Swans settled all over the field. The backline being led by Pickert, Swart and the old trusty hand of Dan Morrison rebounded time and time again, the mids kept powering the ball forward and our forward line combinations proved unplayable. The Swans went through the first game comfortable winners and all of a sudden that self belief Rowan had thrust upon the boys was looking like it could work out.

Round 2: Swans 14.8.82 def Barbarians 2.1.13

Joe Vile getting mitts on the ball against the Barbarians

The Second game saw the Swans playing the Barbarians, a combo of extra Philippine based players and others looking for a game. These guys are always wild cards so the Swans came in cautious.  A remarkable early snap goal from the boundary line by a young Philippino had the Swans on their toes but some strategic rotations by white board maestro Timmy Clements leading to some quick replies and gave many Swans a great opportunity to shine. John O’Rourke went to centre half forward and whilst perhaps not the 8 foot presence Keysy had been providing managed to be absolutely everywhere jagging goals from contested marks, leads and on the run. Bart Schneemann went into the ruck and not only got hands on ball in the air but around the ground giving the Swans extra drive. Colum ‘Precious’ John seemed to finally get his hair right and his straight lines out of the back line opened up the whole field turning Barbarian defense into Swannie attack for a comfortable win and seeing the Swannies qualify for the finals in straight sets

Semi Final: Vietnam Swans 7.4.46 def Malaysian Warriors 6.3.39

After a long lunch break the semi’s kicked off with the Swans drawing the form team of AFL Asia the Malaysian Warriors. Boasting quality players across each line the Warriors were gunning 100% for a clean sweep of AFL Asia in 2015. Coach Glendinning reminding his players how close the Swans had come in previous years and just how much heart would be required to make the next step and what this would mean to the Club.

Inspirational Swannie Mitch Hyde could not be caught all day

The Swannies midfield came out of the blocks providing the Swans forwards with more quality footy seeing the Swans steal a few early goals to take the early lead. The Warriors inevitably kicked into gear and responded well to go into the half time sheds up a goal and a half ensuring another boil-over semi final for the Swans to make a maiden Grand Final performance.

After half time the Warriors started to find space putting the Swans backs under the pump even further. The Swans big 3 defensive line of Swart, Pickert and Morrison with help from many others working hard to drop back and lend a hand stood firm, saving goal after goal with pace, strength and acrobatics managing to quash multiple Malaysian attacks and keeping the Swans hopes alive. Second by second the Swans pulled themselves back into the game.  James Bairstow went into the center bounces and got some hand on ball, Dave O’Shea was popping up everywhere and the Swans forwards began to be rewarded for getting in front controlling the contest.

The Swannies were exceptional in front of the goal all day, kicking a total of 35 goals 17 behinds

Going into the final few minutes the Swans were still a goal down, had the momentum and all the possession but just couldnt find the answer with a couple of narrow misses, surely they wouldn’t go down at this stage by less than a kick again, surely… Enter Bart Schneenan, playing across the forward flank Bart managed to get onto the end of a Swannies attacking effort and casually go back and slot it right through the centre off one step to give the Swans the advantage by two points with not much remaining.

The Warriors would win the next vital center clearance and push forward but could only find a behind to close the gap to one point. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as Mitch Hyde took control of full back duties to pump the ball to the midfield boundary towards an advancing Keysy who stuck the ball in his big mitts after running over the top of a few smaller players. Another deep kick along the boundary line to the Swans forward pocket and almost out of bounds, Sha Mac gathered and with seemingly nowhere to go, linked a handball back inside to Joe Vile who found Bart running down into an open goal to into kick the sealer. FINALLY the Swans had progressed to the finals stage in a top flight Asian Footy tournament, however satisfied with the amazing victory the players knew this wouldn’t be enough for Rowan back in Saigon… not yet!

Grand Final: Vietnam Swans 6.2.38 def Philippine Eagles 6.1.37
It was uncharted territory for the Swans but never before had the Club had such a great opportunity to take home some major silverware. With the home crowd behind them and a desire to get overturn their 2014 Manila Cup GF defeat, the Eagles started the better and more confident of the two teams going into the half 4 goals to 1 up, with the Swans mids just not finding the space they had been used to all day.

Timmy Pickert an absolute rock in the GF, taking several crucial backline marks.

With emotions being tested, rather than going negative, Coach Glendinning went Zen at the half, urging his players to relax, breathe and play the footy they had been playing all day. It was just the tonic the boys needed and before long the Swan mids had several more possessions racked up, Timmy Pickert gobbled up mark after mark that came his way, Keysy had another couple of goals to his name and the Swans were right back in it.

The Eagles to their credit would never surrender and just when the Swans looked like they would run away with the game they responded to make it neck and neck right up until the final siren. If not for an inspirational Vaughan Swart smother that will be sure to be recalled for many years at the Cow, it may have been a Philippines victory. The final siren sounding with the footy deep in the Eagles forward line much to the relief of the Swans, giving them their first Manila Cup.

Emotional scenes would follow at the Manila Polo Club, with many years of effort and toil finally being rewarded. “The Boy from Bunbury” Jimmy Bairstow’s inspirational efforts to push through several injuries (and perhaps a friendly lunchtime chat) being rewarded with the Player of the Final and Tom Doer’s consistent play throughout the day, including several memorable on the run goals at crucial points in the game giving him the Player of the Tournament.

It was a great day for Swans footy which the boys would relish well into the night, never so proud to be a Swan with their medals firmly around their necks and the multitudes of well received congratulatory messages flooding in from current and former Swannies across the globe.

Check out all the pics on Swannies facebook here and here and also AFL Asia Facebook

The Swans’ annual ANZAC Friendship Match continues to grow in stature each year. It is a great privilege to be handed an ANZAC Friendship Match Footy Record when you walk in the Vung Tau Dog Track gates and catch sight of the goalposts standing in the same place they did more than 45 years ago. Everything from the Vets that travel to the game each year to the players that put everything onto the training track weeks ahead in the hope of being selected, it all adds up to a very special occasion that all who take part in will never forget.

When the dust had settled, the fact that the Vietnam Swans had achieved one of their most famous victories was almost beside the point. Almost…

Swans President Grant Keys and Captain Bill Crang lay the Swans wreath at the Long Tan Memorial (Photo: Joseph Vile)

Both teams gathered in force on the Dawn Service buses at 4am on the day of  the game in quiet contemplation of the events that were about to unfold. A moving service at Long Tan with wreaths laid by representatives of both teams a tribute to the respect both clubs have for those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.

By midday the crowd was building at the Dog Track, new Swannies merchandise was flying off the shelf, the whiff of meat pies and sausages from the Tommy’s Bar canteen was increasingly hard to resist, the Al Fresco’s All Stars and Lagler Legends were hard at it battling it out for the Commbank Cup and the Swans and Wombats couldn’t run out on the park quick enough.

Catherine Schmitz from the Australian Consulate singing the Australian National Anthem

While the game continues to remember the losses suffered by all – as symbolised by the two black armbands worn by each player – and together looking forward to a bright future, it has also become much about celebrating great Swannies traditions and people. Having former Swans President and the man most responsible for the success for this match, Phil Johns, back up on the on the stage as game day MC seemed fitting. Some words from ‘Fabbo’ followed by welcoming speeches from Australian Consul General John McAnulty and Swans President Grant Keys, an Ode from Rod Harlor of the 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment 1969 and Vietnamese, New Zealand and Australian anthems sung respectively by some local Vietnamese girls, Steve Drummond and Catherine Schmitz had everyone buzzing.

The strong contingent of Swans supporters paying their respects during the Ode. Photo: Lindsay Nutley

The match itself was always going to be an epic clash. The Swans were coming off a thrashing at the hands of the Malaysian Warriors but were confident in having a game under their belt, adding several key players to their line up and going into the match much better settled than they had two weeks previously in Hanoi, with a well rounded and prepared squad of 22.

The Wombats had enjoyed a long off-season following winning the Asian Champs in October last year and were going into the game with only limited preparation.  They had also lost some key personnel from their 2014 Champs campaign but bringing a strong contingent of players, including some talented fresh blood, they could never be underestimated.

Joe Vile twisting the footy onto the checkside for a memorable ANZAC goal (Photo: www.adventurefaktory.com)

The first quarter didn’t disappoint with an inspirational goal from playing coach Andy Glendinning opening the Swans account before two quick replies from Singapore. Enter Joe Vile, who’s ‘goal of the day’ boundary line smother and follow up checkside banana kick had both teams going in two-goals-a-piece at quarter time, with the Swans full of voice and confidence.

The move to rotate an untested but talented Gaelic footballer, Irishman Mark Horkan, with young Kiwi Scotty Mills in the ruck began to pay dividends in the second quarter, as both players settled into their roles with great leadership and instruction being provided by midfielders Mitch Hyde and Tom Doer, with 2014 Swans Best and Fairest Nath Milner also never far from a contest.

Another great game from high-flying Hanoian SOS in his last ANZAC Match for the club. Photo: Lindsay Nutley

With a strong breeze at their backs the Swans came out of the quarter-time break firing, booting 6 Hanoian goals to nil in a fantastic quarter for the Swans, to go into the half up 8.5.53 to Singapore 2.4.16. Joe Vile adding a second goal, SOS joining the scoreboard with one, while Swans rookie Tom Doer and President Keys booted two each on the back of some great clearance work from the Swans midfielders and rock solid defensive work led by Timmy Pickert and Billy Crang.

Laying down is certainly not something in the Singapore Wombats repertoire, particularly on ANZAC Day. With the wind behind them they would throw everything at the Swans in the third, showing great spirit out of the half time sheds to kick two straight goals before many fans had taken their seats after seeking some half time refreshment.

Timmy Pickert and Dan Hopkins were sensational on and off the field all day. Photo: Lindsay Nutley

With Swannies legend Kev Hornblower on the sidelines adjusting the whiteboard magnets the Swans were in good hands and managed to stem the flow before the trickle of Wombat goals became a flood, pushing players back to ensure the Wombats would only kick one further goal for the quarter, to have the Swans go in to the final term leading 54 to 37.

With the large contingent of Vets, Swans legends and friends and families cheering the Swannies on, the final quarter would belong to the home team, kicking 5 goals to 2 to close out the game 41 point victors. Doer and Keys both kicking their third for the game, Messi Hyde soccering one off the ground from long range and that Timmy Clements snap to close out the game for the Swans. Club legend David ‘SOS’ Skowronski getting chaired off the ground in his final game for the club.

Following presentations at the ground the teams would reconvene back at Tommy’s Bar and celebrate a great day for Asian footy, raising an amazing VND36.5 million for the Swans national chairty Swim Vietnam and the Vung Tau Orphanage through a raffle and an auction of AFL memoribilia kindly donated by the University of Western Sydney, Maureen Johns and Greg Keogh.

The win would see the Swans advance up the AFL Asia league ladder into 5th place with a 1 win 1 loss record.

Check out all the pics in 2015 ANZAC Day Album on Swannies Facebook

Vietnam 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

The Swans sincerely thank all their members, players, sponsors and supporters for their help in ensuring yet another successful ANZAC Friendship Game. Special mention to the Singapore Wombats for making the trip over in such strong numbers and to Glenn and Trang Nolan and all the Tommy’s Bar staff for their ongoing and much valued support of this game. Special thanks also to Ron and Ailsa Vernon, Stan and Sinh Middleton and all the Vietnam Veterans and their families that make the trip over each year to support our game and making it so special. Thanks to Adam McDonald and all the other field, boundary and goal umpires that did such a great job, SOS International for ensuring a safe event, the gate collectors, raffle ticket and merch sellers, fans, and most of all the good people of Vung Tau, the local authorities and Dog Track management that welcome us back to this great town to play each year.

In this edition:

– Feature Article on Vietnam Veteran & SANFL footballer Rod Pope

– “The Road to ANZAC Day” – Article by Vice Captain Timmy Pickert

– “The Number 10″ – Article about an ongoing Swannie tribute to Nick Shiells

– Official History of the Vietnam Football League (VFL) by Stan Middleton

– ANZAC Friendship Game Player profiles

– Swans and Wombats Club Histories

– Commbank Cup preview

– AFL Asia ANZAC DAY media release

– Welcomes from Australian Consul General and Swans and Wombats’ Presidents

– Welcome to Australian Football (Vietnamese)

– Ladies Saigon Gaels, IndoChina Bulldogs Saigon Colts and Central Vietnam Games reports

– Auscham Vietnam update

– Swim Vietnam and Vung Tau Orphanage reports

Big thanks to Dan Morrison & Maz of Saigon Logic and Billy Crang for their great work and late nights pulling together this year’s edition of the Record, which would not have been possible without the extensive high quality work put in to establishing this publication over previous years by Ross McRae Designs.  Thanks also to all the contributors that provided articles and the awesome blokes who gave their time on the gate of the Lord Mayor’s Oval to hand them out!

THOOORRR!!!

The crowd erupted when the 2-metre tall Scandy barrelled a bomb from inside the centre square for a sausage roll with his first ever kick of the Sherrin! As the goal umpie waved 2 flags, the siren sounded to signal a win to the Al Fresco’s All Stars by 14 points.

“It’s the first time I’ve played this game, but I love it!” said Thor after the match.

“At 41, this is my first game of Aussie Rules, but I loved it. I used to play rugby”, said Kiwi Adam, one of the Singapore Wombats support crew, as the siren sounded.

For 4 years, the All Stars versus Legends game has brought together players of various Aussie Rules experience and skills as the curtain raiser to the main ANZAC Friendship Match.

For 4 years, the crowd has been entertained by 40-odd players who stuck up their hands to have a run and be part of the atmosphere that is the Vietnam Swans ANZAC weekend.

For 4 years, the crowd has not been disappointed and been thoroughly entertained. The skills are often great and the determination is never lacking!

For a match that is pulled together from people emailing their names into an unknown couple of wannabe coaches, it’s amazing how close the contests can be when the teams are picked sight unseen.

Credit also goes to the experienced players who brought newcomers, like Nguyen Binh from the Commonwealth Bank, into the game.

5 minutes into the first quarter, MJ thought he’d botched up the team selections again.

Last year he gave Nicko the winning team. This year, he’d handed Rowan’s Lagler Legends a random on a Viet Nam cycling tour (Troy Watchorn) who had just had his 3^rd ping at goal for a return of 2 goals 1.

The All Stars were in trouble!

But, under an overcast sky that made playing footy a delight for the LegStars, the tide turned and the All Stars slowly worked their way back into the match.

Each quarter, one team opened up a 2-goal break before the other team evened the score by the end of the term.

Blokes who’d played together, such as Ocker & Lermy or Cameron & Mark from Lagler Flooring, had moments on field when their team play of yesteryear rose like cream once more. A few guys have also now fronted for 2 matches or more, and some promised to bring their sons next year so they can have the thrill of father-son combinations.

This match had everything: Ranting coaches, big bumps followed by people helping up their opponent, sneaky goals, long bombs, questionable coaching strategies and people resting on the bench who couldn’t wait to get back on the ground! During the last 5 minutes when most players have had enough in the Vung Tau Greyhound Track heat, no one wanted to come off.

MC Fabbo with Coaches MJ and Rowan lamenting on a great game of footy. Photo: Lindsay Nutley

This isn’t so much a match report as a people report. As coaches, Rowan and MJ couldn’t ask for more. Players listened to instructions, kept it simple and had a go. A few guys had some great suggestions which made coaching easier and everyone respected their opposition.

You can find a list of the champs who pulled on the boots for the Al Fresco’s All Stars and Lagler Legends here:

http://vietnamswans.com/anzac-weekend-teams-announcement/

Thanks to the 3 lads from Singapore who played. The Swans hope this initiative might even lead to an eventual Home Team versus Away Team magoos match.

Special thanks to the goal umps, boundary umps and Saigon Gaels who ran water out to the players all match. Sorry we don’t have your names, but you know who you are!

Umpie Cookie (Graeme Cook) – You were awesome! What more can we say? No reports, no injuries, no donnybrooks, Woodie kept on a tight leash and a close match. Great job mate.

Bring on 2016!

This year, the Vietnam Swans will play host to the Singapore Wombats in what is sure to be an absolute blockbuster of a main event. On April 25th, at 1:30pm, these two AFL Asia heavyweights will battle it out in the 6th Annual ANZAC Friendship Match, held at The Lord Mayors Oval in Vung Tau, Vietnam.

Prior to this match, the famous Legends vs All-Stars curtain raiser will be played, with an abundance of players making the trip from far and wide to be a part of such an important and enjoyable weekend. The skill level of the Legends v All-Stars is high caliber, and an event that is not to be missed!

Swans – Remember both what, and who it is you are representing and paying tribute to when you take the field on Saturday. We have a rare opportunity to play the sport that we love, for the club that we love, on a historic oval and in memory of the thousands of men and women that fought, and made the ultimate sacrifice, to defend our freedom.

To all of our fallen soldiers, their families, and to those that are currently fighting for our country and Commonwealth, we thank you each and every day. Lest we forget.

Vietnam Swans v Singapore Wombats ANZAC Friendship Match

Vietnam Swans

Alex Maskiell
Andy Glendinning (Coach)
Bill Crang (Captain)
Colom John
Damien Judd
Dan Hopkins
Dan Morrison
David Skowronski (Deputy Vice-Captain)
Grant Keys
Gus McEwen
Jason Carter
Joe Vile
Mark Horkan
Mitch Hyde
Nath Milner (Deputy Vice-Captain)
Scotty Mills
Sean Milner
Shane MacFarlane
Tim Burdeu
Tim Clements
Tim Pickert (Vice Captain)
Tom Doer
Trent Davies
Tuan Nhan

Emergencies:
Andy Marr
Bart Schneemann

Singapore Wombats

Dale Carmody
Ben Hart
Craig Geehman
Luke Anderson
Stefan Wood
Jay Everyingham
Andrew Farnsworth
Dylan Mudge
Grant Bell
Daniel Branchflower
Neil Steffenson
Craig Walton
Owen Howden
Kyle Austin
Pete Turner
Kim Wimbush
Scott Murphey
James Stephenson
Chris Mitchell
Liam Lucas
Gregoire Patacq
Jack Rolfe
Jeames Gillette
Anukorn Choulo

Lagler Legends vs Al Fresco’s All Stars

Lagler Legends

Kevin Hornblower
Brad Vernon
Paul Koch (Captain)
Cameron Luke
Rowan Luke
Mark Rookes
Adam Corrall
Ocker
Lermy
Binh Nguyen
Troy Watchorn
Tristan Kelly
Bart
Chris
Roy
Pierre
Brett Dwyer
Dean
Andrew
Singapore Steve Brosnan
Singapore Quinton Ritchie

Al Fresco’s All Stars

Kevin Wilkinson
Steve Nolan
Penny Wilmott
Alex Maskiell
Lindsay Nutley
Chris Salmon
Andy’s mate Woody
Andy’s mate Cookie
Tim’s mate 1
Tim’s mate 2
Tim’s mate 3
Ben Parsons
Andy M
Luke
Mike
Kyle (Captain)
Josh Lee
Frank Rykers
Singapore Adam Wilkinson
Singapore Trevor Inglis
Glenn – Trevor Long’s mate

Rod Pope featuring on the cover of the 2015 Anzac Friendship Match Footy Record in front of the modern day Lord Mayor’s Oval Grandstand. The Record will be available at the ground in Vung Tau on ANZAC Day and on vietnamswans.com after that.

Whilst many would argue legendary SANFL player and South Australian representative Rod Pope did not compete in the VFL, our Vietnam Football Historian (from the Vietnam War Days) Stan Middleton disputes this in this exclusive article featuring in this weekend’s ANZAC Friendship Match Football Record.

Rod actually played a number of games in the VFL in Vung Tau, Vietnam for 5 Company RAASC during the war, so as Stan argues this VFL (Vietnam Football League) was still the VFL! As Stan would say the standard of this VFL was as high as the Victorian VFL. Many VFL Players played in this competition. Wayne Closter (Geelong), Bill Thompson & Greg Perry (both Essendon) to name a few. Glenn James former VFL Umpire also played in this VFL. Rod almost joined Essendon in the VFL but a higher offer kept him in Adelaide. 

When representing South Australia Rod would play on Alex Jesaulenko (who delivered last year’s Middleton Address) at least once. From all reports he performed very well on Jezza! At other times he was matched against Darrel Baldock, Des Tuddenham & other VFL Legends.

Thanks Stan for preparing this article for us!

By Stan Middleton
Official Historian for the Vietnam Football League 1967 to 1971

Rod Pope represented South Australia on 10 occasions

There have been many more spectacular footballers than Rod Pope, but few more dependable or consistent. His 314 game senior career began with West Adelaide in 1962, and ended with Norwood in 1979. While on the footy field he won two best and fairest awards with West Adelaide and one with Norwood. Solidly built, tenacious and assured, Pope played most of his career, including his 10 interstate games for South Australia, as a half back flanker.

After 209 games with West he moved to Norwood in 1974 out of a desire to play in a premiership team, and got his wish sooner than he might have dared hope when he was one of the best players afield in the Redlegs’ two-goal grand final defeat of Glenelg the following year. Pope’s all round contribution to the flag was significant, and he continued in fine form in 1976 when he won the club’s fairest and most brilliant award.

Rod was inducted into the South Australian National Football League’s Hall of Fame in 2004.

In Vietnam Rod served with 8 Petroleum, Platoon RAASC in Vung Tau & Nui Dat from late 1966 until August 1967. We are not sure how many games Rod participated in playing for 5 Company RAASC & other combined teams. However the digger who started footy in Vung Tau (John Heaney) remembers Rod humiliating him by standing on his shoulders to take a mark in one of the very early games! John reckons he was a pretty good footballer and had no idea at the time who this young upstart was! Later he was to learn that this young upstart was none other than Rodney Pope!

Photo courtesy of Adelaide Advertiser

Rod has returned to Vietnam on a couple of occasions. He still lives in Adelaide with his wife Helen and is very involved in the South Australian TPI Association. He has close connections still at both West Adelaide & Norwood Football Clubs.

Rod you are a “Legend”!

Rodney (Rod) James POPE (Vietnam Veteran)

SANFL Career:

West Adelaide 209 games from 1963 to 1973
Norwood 95 games from 1974 to 1979
State representative for South Australia 10 games
Total Games 314 (Had he not served in Vietnam during his National Service this figure would have been substantially higher!)