A Footy Train Bridges Kanchanaburi And Vung Tau

2018 ANZAC FRIENDSHIP MATCH RECORD 1
The Vietnam Swans ANZAC Friendship Match proudly supports Swim Vietnam and the
Vung Tau Center For Children’s Protection. All money raised across the weekend goes to
these 2 wonderful causes. To find out how else you can help contact the Swans.
CONTRIBUTORS
Eric Kerrison, Jazza, Billy Crang, Rod Gillet, Rowan Luke, Micka Matthews, Zoe Osborne,
Chia Sabbatucci, Peter Crichton, Ross McRae, Ron & Ailsa Vernon, James Bairstow, Brennan Davis.
Design by Phong Giang
Courtesy of X Digital
www.x.digital
Contents
3 - 2018 ANZAC Friendship Weekend Run Sheet
5 - Swans President’s Welcome - Eric Kerrison
7 - Tigers President’s Welcome - Jarrod Roberts
8 - Feature - A Footy Train Bridges Kanchanaburi and Vung Tau - Phil Johns
10 - From The long, Dark Shadow Of Hellfire Pass To Long Tan
13 - 10 Years of Friendship - Billy Crang recaps 10 Amazing ANZAC Matches
16 - Legends v All Stars Match Preview
20 - Vietnam Swans Introduction
21 - Vietnam Swans Team Guide
23 - Thailand Tigers Team Introduction
24 - Thailand Tigers Team Guide
25 - Development - Vietnam Swans Ladies Team Takes Flight
27 - Ron & Ailsa Vernon
29 - ANZAC Friendship Match FAQs
32 - History of the VFL - Stan Middleton
37 - Development - Saigon Colts Auskick
39 - The Vung Tau Centre for Childhood Prevention
41 - Feature - ANZAC Day AFL Brings Mateship to Vietnam
44 - Đôi điều về Bóng Đá Úc
45 - 2018 Sponsors Thanks and Swans Theme Song

Run Sheet
Throughout the day
5:00 PM
12:00 PM
2:00 PM
2:15 PM
4:30 PM
7-10:00 PM
– Transport to Vung Tau
– Welcome drinks, dinner and live footy downstairs at Tommy’s Bar 3
– Lagler Legends v Al Fresco’s All Stars
– Formalities - Anthems, Ode, 1 Minute Silence
– 2018 Friendship Match - Vietnam Swans vs Thailand Tigers
– After Match Presentations
– McMillan Dinner at the Pullman Hotel Vung Tau
Recovery breakfast at Tommy’s Bar 3, thanks
to Glenn and Trang for 9 years of supporting
the Swans Friendship in Vung Tau. This weekend
won’t be the same without Tommy’s!
Friday 27th April
Saturday 28th April
Sunday 29th April
HEAR FROM 3 X AFL ANZAC DAY PLAYER MATTY
FRANCIS AT THE MCMILLAN DINNER
TICKETS 1.2M VND FREEFLOW /1M VND NO ALCOHOL / 700K VND CHILDREN
15 Thi Sach Street, Thang Tam Ward, Phuong Thang Tam, VUNG TAU
Middleton Address Presented By: Phil Johns the godfather of the Swans and founder of the ANZAC
Friendship Match in Vietnam explaining the inspiration the Swans took from a visit to Kanchanaburi on
ANZAC Day 2009 to play the Tigers and where we are now.
President’s Addresses & Insights from Matty Francis
3 x AFL ANZAC Day Match Player for the Collingwood Magpies

KERRO
Swans President's Welcome
PRESIDENT - VIETNAM SWANS
AFL FOOTBALL CLUB
On behalf of the Vietnam Swans Australian Football
Club, I would like to welcome everybody to the
9th Anzac Friendship Match here in Vung Tau, the
spiritual home of Australian Football in Vietnam.
The friendship day is undoubtedly the most important
day on the calendar for our club, as it allows us a
moment to reflect on all of those that have gone
before us, throughout history, but more importantly,
it allows us time to reflect and give thanks to the
warmth with which we are received by the people
of Vietnam, as foreigners living in a foreign land,
although, for many of us now it is home, we have
assimilated into the community and have beautiful
Vietnamese families of our own.
Once again, we all make the journey to Vung Tau,
a town that is the birthplace of Australian Football in
Vietnam, to once again take the field against a close
neighbor and rival. It is with the utmost respect and
pleasure that we welcome the Thailand Tigers to
Vietnam to take part in the friendship game, we also
thank Thailand for giving us the honor of playing in
Kanchanaburi the previous week. This is the first time
that we have had the privilege to play in a home and
away series, for the Anzac Friendship match.
The start of 2018 has been quite a hectic one
for all of us here at the club. We have seen many
departures, people new to parenthood, new arrivals
to this wonderful country and the Swans, growth in
the club in the local player arena and excitingly,
the first official Vietnam Swan’s women’s team.
Unfortunately for us, the women’s team were unable
to find an opponent for the game this year, but I am
sure as the game continues to grow in the region,
they will be involved in the future.
As I am now well into my second year as President
of this great club, I am proud of the direction we are
heading as a club, with continued growth throughout
the country. We have a new club structure both
on and off the field, and the early signs are that it
appears to be working well for the whole club. With
that in mind, I would like to take the opportunity to
thank all of those involved in the club, both officially
and non-officially for their continued support and
counsel, as it certainly makes what we achieve here
possible.
I would also like to thank all of our sponsors who
help us achieve our goals, without their continued
financial support it would be difficult to continue to
grow this great game of ours in our adopted new
homeland of Vietnam.
For those of you who have travelled from far and
wide to come to this event, please sit back, enjoy the
day and what promises to be 2 very exciting games
of football.
by ERIC KERRISON
Vietnam Swans
HONK that horn LOUD

Tigers President's Welcome
JAZZA PRESIDENT - THAIL AND TIGERS
AFL FOOTBALL CLUB
On behalf of everyone at the Thailand Tigers, wel-
come to Vung Tau and the 9th ANZAC Friendship
Match, this year played between the Vietnam
Swans and Thailand Tigers. For both clubs this is
the second of two matches played in honour of
the ANZACS in 2018, with the first match held on
Saturday 21st April in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. It is
a huge honour and a privilege to get this oppor-
tunity to pay our respect and remember all of the
courageous and brave men and women who have
served for our country.
The Tigers have a lot of respect for our opponents
in this match, the Vietnam Swans. There have been
some epic battles between the clubs, with both
clubs winning their fare share of Indochina Cups.
It is always a fiercely contested game and great
to share a beer amongst mates afterwards. It has
been an amazing opportunity to hold back-to-back
commemorative ANZAC matches in 2018, and
the Tigers are extremely grateful to the Swans for
enabling this to happen.
A mate the other day asked the question,
"What does ANZAC Spirit mean?"
I am sure there are many different ways to answer this, with each definition having it's own special meaning
to its holder. For me, it epitomises all of the qualities that we look for in our mates. ANZAC Day provides an
opportunity to reflect and to remember the great people that have fought, have given their lives, and contin-
ue to serve our great country. They are the characteristics that define the ANZAC Spirit - courage, sacrifice,
humour and mateship. And while being part of a football club enables mateship and courage, it pales in
comparison to what the ANZAC's stand for.
Apart from the love of footy, the ANZAC commemorative matches are a special event for the Thailand
Tigers for many reasons, most significantly playing football in honour of all those who have served for our
country, especially the POWs who worked on the Thai-Burma railway at Kanchanaburi during World War
2. We hope you enjoy your weekend, and importantly, take time to reflect and pay respect to all those who
have fought for our great country.
Lest we forget.
by JARROD 'JAZZA' ROBERTS,
Thailand Tigers

2018 ANZAC FRIENDSHIP MATCH RECORD8
A Footy Train Bridges Kanchanaburi And Vung Tau
A FOOTY TRAIN BRIDGES KANCHANABURI
AND VUNG TAU
It was back in 2009 at the old Café Latin Bar
in Saigon where I bumped into Patrick Stringer.
The Thailand Tigers had invited the Swannies to
play in their ANZAC Commemorative Match in
Kanchanaburi and I was keen to share the news with
Patrick. While I didn’t realise it at the time, it was a
bit like gently tossing a stone from a Bridge into the
River Kwai.
I didn’t hear the splash. I didn’t see the ripples.
Initially. Patrick would later recount: “I am sure I
looked pretty stupid standing in front of Phil, in
stunned silence… But what Phil didn’t know was that
my father was among the very first group of POWs
to be sent from Changi to work on the Thai–Burma
railway… Dad spent 1,548 days in active service
overseas during World War II – the majority of them
as a POW of the Japanese…”
Patrick added that, “Despite living and working in
Vietnam for 4 years, and with the railway so close,
I had not yet summoned the courage to visit…That
place, hallowed as it may be, was an awful place, a
place of death and dying and I did not have (Dad’s)
permission to go there.”
Until that ANZAC Commemorative Match on
Saturday 25 April 2009.
We all attended the Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass.
During the Service, we listened to the same noises
in the jungle that the Prisoners of War would have
heard. During the Minute’s Silence, the jungle was
deafening.
Later that morning, there was a service at
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Ex POW, Bill Haskell
spoke determinedly, deliberately – and with love:
“The established rules of warfare in relation to
prisoners of war were abandoned completely in the
frenzy to push the railway through.
We remember these men (who died building the
railway) with great affection and deepest
Respect” You could hear a pin drop.
Prior to the laying of the official wreaths at the
cenotaph, the Thailand Tigers presented the Vietnam
Swans with a wreath to lay. The Tigers had their
own wreath which included the names of each of
the Asian footy clubs that had played previously in
Kanchanaburi on the ANZAC Weekend.
It was a magnificently generous and respectful
tradition of the Thailand Tigers. If ever an AFL Asia
was to come into being, this would surely be a
significant source of inspiration.
The Swans touring party to Kanchanaburi in 2009, an unforgettable experience! Bonus points spot the
current day players including one fit young bloke next to the banner and one Hall of Famer playing his
"last" game for the Swans!

A Footy Train Bridges Kanchanaburi And Vung Tau
In the afternoon, our two teams lined up to welcome
the three attending former POWs: Bill Haskell, Neil
MacPherson and Milton “Snow” Fairclough. The
fourth, Ernie Redman had suffered a heart attack in
Australia, just two days before he was due to travel
to Thailand for ANZAC Day and was recovering
back there.
When the diggers appeared, players and people in
the crowd applauded spontaneously. The match then
kicked off.
It was hot. Filthy hot – but that made no difference
to the Thailand Tigers who had complete control of
the match for its duration winning 91 to just 13 points.
At the post match formalities, Bill Haskell remarked
how impressed he was that both teams were able to
play in such “oppressive heat”.
Earlier in the day at the morning service, Patrick had
heard Bill Haskell refer to a man from “A” Force – the
same Force that Patrick’s Dad had served in.
At the conclusion of the formalities, Patrick
approached Bill but, choking up, excused himself
and returned to the Swannies’ tent for an icy cold
beer.
Ten minutes later, Patrick felt a tap on the shoulder.
He turned around and there was Bill Haskell
“standing with the support of his son and his two
walking sticks in the still blazing late afternoon sun.
He had followed me to the tent. He looked me in the
eye, offered his hand and said ‘I didn’t know your
Dad, but those boys in ‘A’ Force knew all about it.
Thank you for making yourself known to me.’ The
ANZAC Commemorative Match had nothing to do
with footy. Rather, footy served as a magnificent
vehicle to bring people together to delve into their
own experiences, as appropriate.
On the Sunday, as our bus pulled out of
Kanchanaburi to head to the airport, some of us were
already talking about revisiting the idea of having
an ANZAC Match in Vietnam. We had first raised
the idea in 2006, on the 40th anniversary of Long
Tan. The advice of the then Australian Ambassador
was that we should avoid hosting a commemorative
match on either ANZAC Day or Long Tan Day. If
we wanted to hold a match on a significant day, he
suggested 25 February which is the anniversary of
the establishment of diplomatic relations between
Australia and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, on the same bus trip to the airport,
Michael Johnston was arguing passionately that the
Vietnam Swans should actively support initiatives to
reduce the numbers of children drowning in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a country where more children die from
drowning than road accidents.
On the Wednesday after returning to Vietnam, the
Vietnam Swans learned that former POW, Ernie
Redman had slipped away. We had never met Ernie
but just when we felt that we knew something of him,
he had found his place of eternal rest. Vale Ernie.
And who was there in Esperance, Western Australia
for Ernie’s funeral? Bill Haskell.
“I saw Bill Haskell today at Ernie’s funeral”, wrote
Grant in an email to the Vietnam Swans. “Bill spoke
again and once more his words were mesmerising.
At around 90 years of age, Bill has sat on a 10 hour
plus, 700km bus trip to be at the funeral...”
Would Bill have done anything else?
The magnitude of the ANZAC Commemorative
Match in Kanchanaburi continued to sink in after we
returned to Vietnam.
There were supposed to have been four ex POWs
at that Match – but, in a sense, as we stood on the
banks of the River Kwai, we saw Ernie Redman pass
through the bridge of life resulting in just three proud
Diggers attending.
Just as time was marching for the former POWs –
so too it was for many of our battered and bruised
Vietnam Veterans. But, temporarily, time was on our
side.
Choosing to live and work in modern day Vietnam
while playing footy, we think, is akin to living the
dream. But for many, since their visit here 40 years
earlier, they have been living the hell.
Just as there was an obligation for us to better
understand the history, there was an obligation for
us to reach out to anyone interested in engaging with
the vibrant, modern day, forward-looking Vietnam.
Footy is such a powerful vehicle to bring people
together - and it could work here.
The Swannies’ Committee comprised both playing
and non playing members. Non playing members
were critical in offering perspectives that weren’t

From The Long, Dark Shadow Of Hellfire Pass To Long Tan
The Tigers, Swans and POWs after the 2009 ANZAC Match in Kanchanaburi
clouded by the “footy bubble” to ensure that we
could successfully negotiate the political tightrope of
an ANZAC match in Vietnam.
The match would be known as the ANZAC Friendship
Match. All players from all teams would wear two
black armbands, one on each arm, to ensure that
every photo carried the same message: we were
recognizing the sacrifices and suffering by all people
on all sides. But we wouldn’t focus on the doom and
gloom of the history. The history was the thunderclap
to bring people together. And just as the Vietnamese
are forward focused, we would support initiatives for
the future: children.
Our guiding principle and tagline became
Honouring lost lives; saving young lives. In a country
where more children die from drowning than road
accidents, we would raise money on the day to
support Swim Vietnam. We would also support the
Vung Tau Orphanage run by Ms My Huong.
The coastal city of Vung Tau was important as it had
served as the Australians’ logistics base during the
war. According to Wikipedia, a game of footy had
actually been played in Vung Tau during the war.
Despite our best efforts, unfortunately, we didn’t
have any more information than that.
2nd Warrant Officer, Daniel Kindness introduced
us to Glenn Nolan from Tommy’s Bar in Vung Tau
who, apparently, was keen to help organize the
match. Glenn was brilliant. He loved the concept
and played a pivotal role in making the Inaugural
ANZAC Friendship Match happen in 2010, just 12
months after we were at Kanchanaburi.
To reduce potential political sensitivities, our first
match would not be an international. It would be a
domestic match played between Hanoi and Saigon.
In the inaugural ANZAC Friendship Match, Veterans
Kevin McMillan and John Brown, together with
captains Josh Little and Mark “Willy” Williams
escorted the match ball, supplied by the Hawthorn
Football Club, to the field umpire. 400 people,
including some veterans, filled the stand at the
Greyhound Racing Track. The previous day, Daniel
Kindness had taken us to places like Nui Dat, SAS
Hill and the Long Tan Cross. We visited My Huong
at the Vung Tau Orphanage. The following morning,
we joined the Dawn Service before watching
Collingwood and Essendon fight it out on TV back
at Tommy’s Bar.
Less than three weeks later, a gentleman by the name
of Stan Middleton left a message on the Swannies’
website which read, “I served in Vung Tau in 1967-
68. A full scale Aussies Rules Competition between
(seven) Australian units was conducted (twice a
year). The Competition commenced in either 1966
or 1967 and I believe went through to 1971… We
initially played all our games where the Greyhound
Racing Track is now in Vung Tau…”
Boom! Until that message, our ANZAC Friendship
Match had a history of just three weeks. Now, there
was 44 years and three weeks of history at Vung
Tau’s Greyhound Racing Track!
In 2012, there were flashbacks of Ernie Redman.
Just nine days after that year’s ANZAC Friendship
Match. News came through that Kev McMillan,
a passionate rugby man who applauded what the
ANZAC AFL Friendship Match represented, lost his
courageous fight with cancer.
From the long, dark shadow of Hellfire Pass to the

From The Long, Dark Shadow Of Hellfire Pass To Long Tan
Phil presenting the 3 POWs veterans who attended the 2009 ANZAC Match in Kanchanaburi
with Swans polos.
Kev McMillan (Swans shirt) with John Brown, escort
the match ball to the field umpire at the beginning
of the Inaugural ANZAC Friendship Match, 2010.
(Flanked by coaches Willy and Josh Little)
Long Tan Cross, time was continuing its relentless
march. And from Kanchanaburi to Vung Tau, the
footy train keeps rolling, bringing people together to
appropriately recognize the history and to do things
differently going forward.
Note: The dinner and address which follow the
ANZAC Friendship Match are now named the
McMillan Dinner and Middleton Address.
Kev McMillan died on 1 May 2012, exactly one
year to the day after former POW, Bill Haskell died
on 1 May 2011, aged 90.

10 Years Of Friendship
The ANZAC Friendship match has grown into
something that any Swans player or family
member looks forward to and will always look
back fondly on.
So many elements have combined to make this
one of the most unique games of AFL on the
planet.
- Remembering and celebrating the ANZAC
Spirit and those who fought on both sides here in
Vietnam with such bravery.
- Playing on the same turf the diggers played on
during down time from the horrors of war.
- Being in the midst of Vets who have done such
wonderful things in the community around here
since returning to discover a Vietnam at peace.
- Welcoming teams from all over Asia. The tradition
of the McMillan Dinner and Middleton Address
which have drawn names like Andrew Embley,
Brad Seymour, Richard Osbourne and Alex
Jesaulenko (you beauty!!!)
- It all comes together as the weekend that means
more the the Swans than any other.
Despite all that, this year is unique! Thailand have will
always have a special spot as the inspiration behind
what we do, the Kanchanaburi match opened our
eyes and showed us how a simple game of football
10 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP
Words Bill Crang
can connect with a far more important event. Since
our first ever ANZAC Day game in Kanchanaburi
we’ve played 9 here in Vietnam with 2018 We are
also creating another milestone both our 10th and
11th ANZAC games, in the process creating another
milestone - Home & Away ANZAC Day games.
Somehow I’ve now managed to play them all and
they will forever be some of the greatest memories of
my life. Here’s my sometimes cloudy memory across
all those years:
2009 - Vietnam Swans v Thailand Tigers in
Kanchanaburi
Wow! This was my first ever tour and what a baptism
of literal fire. Mid forty degrees and a red hot
opponent opened my eyes but by the end being
well around 100 points down a major all day most
of us were cowering with our eyes closed in the fetal
position. The tour remains one of the best I’ve ever
been on though with the amazing stories of some
of the heroic diggers who endured so much on
the Burma Death Railway, the morning ceremony
(ANZAC was a Saturday that year) and a post game
cruise down the River Kwai. Great touring squad that
absolutely tore Kanchanaburi a new one capped off
a great weekend and in hindsight I’m not surprised
left me wholeheartedly addicted to playing footy
throughout Asia.
The pressure we bought to this game is still memorable. The Wombats never found their feet
and we enjoyed one of our best wins ever!

2010 - Hanoi Hawks(63) v Saigon Swans(62)
Heritage Match in Vung Tau
Phil Johns, the visionary behind almost every piece
of the Swans platform as a club was inspired by the
power of ANZAC Day in Kanchanaburi the year
before. As expats loving life in Vietnam what was
amazing was how little we knew beyond Forest
Gump of the war that shook the world here for over
a decade. None the less, somewhat fortunately we
moved on to play a friendship game in Vung Tau.
Unbeknown to us this was the hallowed turf the
diggers played on during their down time some 40
years earlier. Not only that but some of them were in
the crowd - which shocked us in its size - and very
quickly we were able to learn some of the history
of the Australian involvement but also some of the
Vietnamese side of a war that really had no winner.
The two black arm-bands respect concept was born
out of respect for soldier enduring the horror of war
on either side of the battle. As always the North
cheated thoroughly and claimed the game by a
point. One great hit by Greg Stanton on the wing
was a highlight. A friendship match in name but it
was obvious playing here on this epic ground games
were never going to be soft! As we took stock of all
we learnt the gravity of what the ANZAC Friendship
Match at the Lord Mayor’s Oval in Vung Tau was
going to become mega. We were still to see how
mega.
2011 - Vietnam Swans (89) d Hong Kong
Dragons (47) in Vung Tau
Part of the reason I think the Friendship Match has
become such a great event was attracting one of the
premier AFL Asia teams to the first ever International
Match. The Dragons go deep if not win every single
Asian Championships and have one of the best
touring cultures in Asia. This was my first glimpse into
it and it helped us to grow as a footy club immensely.
The Dragons weren't short on talent on this tour but
as our first international friendship game in front of
a massive crowd who'd heard about the previous
year's game we played out of our skins. BOG was
Angry Dave Hadley and the greatly missed Nick
Shiells were up in the best. Richard Osbourne (still
in very handy nick) played for both teams but
definitely gave a bit more for the Swans. Despite a
comfortable win on the scoreboard the game stayed
in the balance all day! Coach Josh ‘Pudding’ Little’s
now famous words to “go out and (awkward pause)
pull off the greatest win this Vietnam Swans has ever
done(sic)” definitely rang true! Google - 9 News
2011 Vung Tau Frienship Match!
2012 - Vietnam Swans (79) d China Reds (56)
The Reds were a mystery coming into this game.
We hadn’t seen much of them but knew that with
Shanghai and Beijing combining some serious
talent would be headed our way. The game was
memorable for me as it was the first time my parents
watched me play a game of football in Vietnam.
After embarrassing myself up forward I was shifted
into defense for the second quarter onto a bloke
who seemed very handy. After a tough tussle that
quarter dad was quick to point out that that ‘handy’
player was 155 game North Melbourne veteran
Shannon Watt, that I should be very careful on him
and good luck - just what I needed to know. Despite
myself entering the second half shaking like a leaf
the boys were too good all over the field especially
in the middle with a freshly arrived Dave Oshea and
skipper Dukesy all over the Chinese.
2013 - Vietnam Swans (59) defeated by
Jakarta Bintangs (69)
The bubble burst! The Bintangs brought a tight,
experienced touring squad and shocked us for our
first loss at the Dog Track. We had plenty of great
players in Vietnam at that time but the Bintangs were
simply more focused and cohesive and it showed
us that with way players come in and out of Asian
Footy clubs the most important is to have an ongoing
simple structure that blokes of all level can walk into
comprehend and function within. Very much what
What an honour to lay a wreath with then
President Josh Lee on behalf of the Vietnam
Swans in 2015 at the Long Tan Cross.

Rod and Jakey have been focused on in 2018.
2014 - Vietnam Swans (100) d Malaysian
Warriors (11)
From the outset this was a belting led by Tra-vy ‘the
Butcher’ Fallon. The first 2 clearances came forward
with Trav taking the ball from contested scuffles and
snapping amazing goals. It was going to be one
of those days! Trav didn’t let up going on to kick
about 6 and neither did any Swannie, pounding
the Warriors into the Lord Mayors Oval dust. After
the heartbreak in 2013 no-one could have seen this
coming but it was a welcome drubbing of one of
the least liked teams in Asia. The Middleton Address
that night was given by none other than AFL legend
Alex Jesaulenko. Jezza praising how much Asian
footy was like he remembered from his days unlike
the modern polished, heartless game played on the
biggest stage in Australia each winter.
2015 Vietnam Swans (90) d Singapore
Wombats (49)
2015 saw the 25th of April coincide with the
Saturday game. What an honour to place a wreath
at the Long Tan Cross, discuss the Battle of Long Tan
and the entire war with survivors and then play some
footy with your best mates! Once again the Swans
were on a roll, the playing group getting out of
their favorite bars and into the gym in the run into
the 2015 Friendship Match against another team
that everyone loves to beat, the then Asian Champ
Singapore Wombats. Again we came out firing,
Hanoi bringing their kicking boots down with Tommy
Doer, Joe Vile, Grant Keys and Northern co-captain
David Skowronski all kicking multiple majors.
2016 Vietnam Swans defeated by Jakarta
Bintangs
Not again! The Bintangs were invited back given
they’d been the only team amongst Asia’s biggest
opponents to knock us off. Surely they wouldn’t upset
us on our biggest day of the season for a second
time?! This time Dave Oshea was on the other side
with a limited touring squad the Bintangs went to
work drafting the best players out of the Legends
game getting themselves some rotations to play with.
The game continually see-sawed but eventually the
Bintangs prevailed after the Swans were too slow to
adjust our strategy going forward looking for Keysey
being picked off by the Bintangs CHB. Heart break
again!
2017 Vietnam Swans d Cambodian Eagles
The Eagles had an amazing end to 2016 taking out
an Indochina Cup we believe we should have won
after upsetting us in the pool game and knocking
us out of the finals. They were heading to Vung
Tau planning on inflicting another embarrassing
upset and are always a danger and even had our
4 x best and fairest player Dukesy on the tour! The
game was hot and hard as always but slowly and
surely we gained the ascendancy and maintained
our composure in the last quarter when the Eagles
snagged a few goals to close the margin. Jimmy
Bairstow was given Best On Ground for his tireless
work through the middle and around the ground.
Bring on 2018 Home & Away and
another 10 awesome Friendship games.
Lest we forget - We will remember them!!!
The Bintangs have an uncanny knack of pulling us down on our biggest day. This time they took
out our key route to goals in big Grant Keys and we took too long to adjust.

Legends v All Stars Preview
The Legends have won the annual All Stars v Legends
matches since Rowan took over as playing coach
in 2015. Rowan has put together a team of tough,
crafty expats led by his skipper Trevor Long, fly-ins
from Melton such as Danny Webber, and some
talented, pacey local players. It’s been a winning
formula.
The All Stars nearly pulled off a major upset last year
but atrocious kicking for goal cruelled their chances
and they lost by one agonizing point.
"Kerro" believes this year will be different with the All
Stars bolstered by some stunning local players who
will burn off the older, slower Legends. This pace-to-
burn approach will be complemented by the vigour
of Kyle Hackenberg and some surprise inclusions.
The All Stars v Legends which is played as a curtain-
raiser to the main game is an integral part of the
Anzac Friendship match day program.
The RECORD spoke to Legends coach Rowan Luke
on the eve of the game, here’s his response:
Hey Rowan, you’ve been known to bring a
bit of heat come game day…what can we
expect this year?
More of the same!! I tend to get a bit animated when
coaching. I am passionate about footy and playing
on a special ground and day means a lot to me and
those that play. We tend not to be the fittest bunch
of footy players with most playing in their prime in
the 1990’s so I try to rev up my team as much as I
can to get the best out of them. I guess it is just the
competitive spirit in me wanting to win.
This year I have a few tricks up my sleeve for Rocket,
and although I can’t say too much, expect plenty of
“don’t argue’s” and a fairly unique game structure…
"Trying to get the Commonwealth Bank Cup out of
Rowan Luke's CBA sponsored training bag is like
trying to take the bone of a mangy Saigon street
dog" according to All Stars skipper Eric Kerrison.
"He just won't let go. But this year we're going to
prise it out."
LEGENDS VS ALL STARS
Ah, Mcrae's pace proves too much for Adam
'Stacka' Corrall in 2016.
Last year's Legends and All Stars after a boilover 1 point victory to the legends in
the last quarter.

The game means a lot to you, tell us a bit
about your involvement?
I have been fortunate enough to play in most of the
Legends games and have been playing coach since
2015. This follows an illustrious 2 game career with
the Swans, although I am better known as the club’s
Treasurer for 5 or 6 years.
The game means a lot to me and also to those that
play. I think there are a few key reasons for that. Firstly,
the game is played in a great spirit. As coaches, both
Rocket and myself remind players before the game
what the day is all about, friendship, and whilst we
all contest the game hard, we expect our teams to
play in the spirit of the day.
The game brings people back. A number of our
players fly in from different parts of the world each
year specifically to play. They come back because it
is a special day, a lot of fun and a great way to catch
up with mates.
The game has developed in the last few years as
a way of bringing on board and developing local
talent. Last year we had a number of local players
who really brought a lot of excitement to the game
and kicked the majority of goals. Hopefully we can
continue this in the coming years and bring more
local talent into the senior ranks.
There’s plenty of talent around this year.
What do you think will win the game? Skills?
Fitness? Size? Ticker?
Great question! The game is played in pretty brutal
conditions during the middle of the day in the hottest
month of the year. To be honest, most of the team are
pretty stuffed after about quarter time and tend to run
on ticker after then so rotating your bench as much
as possible helps. Games have tended to be won or
lost in the last quarter as fatigue sets in which is why I
save my best rev up speech for 3 qtr time.
I suspect this year may be a bit different with a
number of fit and skilled players likely to make their
Legends debut. Will the Legends backline hold up?
Can the All Stars get the footy out of the middle? All
key aspects but I suspect straight kicking will be the
key – last year we had 8 shots at goal to 17 and we
still won because we kicked straight!
Lagler are prominent in this game but also
throughout the Friendship match history. Can
you tell us a bit about Lagler’s initiatives to
support the Orphanage?
I, along with many of you here today, have been
fortunate in having being able to reside here for
a number of years as a guest of the Vietnamese
people. I believe that with this great opportunity also
comes responsibility; responsibility to represent my
own country in the best possible manner and to give
back to the Vietnamese people who have afforded
me this opportunity. To this end, I am proud of the
work that the club does in providing support for the
Vung Tau Orphanage and Swim Vietnam.
Lagler Australia, a club sponsor headed up by my
brother, Cameron has also done an incredible job
for the Orphanage. Each year, Cameron raises
funds from friends, family, suppliers and clients of his
business to provide food, clothing and equipment
for the Orphanage. Furthermore, both Lagler and
Alfrescos last year also donated funds for each goal
kicked in the game.
Can I have a kick? Who is eligible to play?
Absolutely! The game is open to anyone who wants
to play. We usually have players register with the
club prior to game day but often have people on the
day wanting to have a kick as well. If you want to
have a kick please come and see me or Rocket.
Scariest moment in a Legends Game?
When you realise you are just about to get tackled by
Kyle “The Man Mountain” Hackenberg. In a moment
like that you appreciate that there are medical staff
on standby…..
Kyle 'the Bull' Hackenberg's barnstorming runs
through the centre of the Lord Mayor's Oval are
the stuff of legend. Look out for them in 2018!

Best Goal?
Aside from an outstanding goal from myself a
few years back….it would have to be the Viking’s
booming 60+ metre goal to get the All Stars over the
line in a brutal 4th quarter in 2015. I couldn’t believe
it was his first game of footy!!
Danny Webber also kicked an absolute blinder last
year from about the same range. I think a few of the
Swannies recruiters were keen for Danny to move to
Vietnam after that goal!
Best performance in a Legends game?
That is a tough one…A few come to mind. Ex-Sydney
Swans player Brad Seymour, playing a blinding
fourth quarter in 2016 despite having done his
hamstring 30 seconds into the game and not being
able to walk. I think he kicked 2 in the last and
handed off one to give the Legend’s a come from
behind win.
But the best performance has to go to Adam “Stacka”
Corrall who kicked 8.1 in 2014. We had a dream
forward line that year with Stacka marking and
kicking almost everything, Kyle chipped in kicking 2
and me 1. The only disappointing part was Stacka’s
behind. He had the footy in the pocket and despite
MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN ON THE DAY.
GO SWANNIES AND LEGENDS!!!
me standing in the goal square by myself, chose to
have a shot at goal like all good forwards do. I still
remind him to this day that it is ok to handball to your
teammate in the goalsquare! His reply……what’s a
handball???
Your dream team?
We have had some fantastic players over the years
who I would love to see play again. Big Danny
Webber and ex-President Josh “Little Head” Lee in
the middle with the Melton boys Ocker and Lermy
alongside Timmy Pickerts down back. Stacka and
Kyle up forward along with the silky smooth skills of
Fabbo to kick a few sausage rolls from half forward.
I would also play the critical role of bench!!
Final comments?
Just a few. I wanted to thank the club for organizing
the game and allowing both myself and Rocket to
coach. It takes a lot of effort to put together a day
like this and for me it is a real thrill and something
I cherish. I would also like to thank the Vietnamese
authorities for giving us permission to play each year
and to all of our supporters who come out to watch
us play. Our match is all about friendship and we
hope that you enjoy the day.

History Of The Swans

Swans Intro
Year Formed: 2003
National Coach: Rod "Rocket" White
Captain: Billy Crang
Leadership Group: Jake Norris, James
Bairstow, Micka Matthews
National President: Eric Kerrison
No. Asian Champs Contested: 12
Best Ever Finish: 4th
last Year's Results: Semi-Finalist Div 2, Indochina
champions
The Swans embrace 2018 with a sense of antici-
pation unlike recent seasons. Plenty of new blood
around trainings in the North and the South and
some great early season footy have the whole
club up and about. Another massive part of early
2018 has been the launch of the Vietnam Swans
Women’s team. Our development now spans from
Auskick through to adults of all nationalities and
now genders. We look forward to attending our first
ever Asian Champs with both men’s and women’s
team later in the year in Kuala Lumpur.
The Hanoi Swans began playing in footy in Hanoi
back in 2003. We went national in 2007 under
the “one country; one club” principle. We became
the Vietnam Swans and attended our first Asian
Champs all in the same year. 2011 saw the Swans
reach our first Champs Semi Finals going down to
eventual winners the Singapore Wombats. In 2016
the Swans took the Asian Champs came to Saigon
in what was (and still is) the best ever tournament in
Asia. The Swans look forward to escalating footy
across the region via local, women’s and junior
development. We’ll continue attending and hosting
first class tournaments and continuing to bring the
Awesomeness of Asian footy to all corners of this
great country.
2017 year was a mixed bag for the Swans, losing
both legs of the Cannonball Run (vs Cambodia),
a home game to the Malaysian Warriors shook
confidence but later in the year hosting the Indo-
china Cup in Hanoi the Swans found form with a
comprehensive win carrying onto the Asian Champs
in Manila and going deep into Division 2 before
a slightly undermanned squad was overun by a
combined Indochina team. 2018 poses plenty of
challenges most notably this ANZAC home and
away series, defending the ICC in Phnom Penh and
achieving an improved result in either division at the
Champs.
HISTORY OF THE SWANS

Swans Team Guide
Bill “the Ultimate Clubman” Crang
Bill is one of the most passionate swans giving up so
much of his own time for the benefit of the entire club.
Men like Bill are who the young blokes play for. The
ever reliable full back man playing his 11th ANZAC
Game for the Swans is willing to sacrifice the glory
to his team-mates in the midfield and up forward. A
true leader Bill is the general of the backline. For post-
match drinks, Billy has recently improved his form.
Whilst still talking absolute rot, he has managed to
stay awake until after dinner time.
Jake ‘King of the North” Norris
Recently returned to reclaim his throne from Kerro
and C-Dan, Jakey is batting way above his average
relationship wise but doesn’t have the same issues on
the footy field. Majestic skills, confidence with the ball
in hand and great awareness on the ground. Jake will
be heard directing team in a positive way lifting his
teammates. The king is a dedicated vegan though so
we’re hoping he doesn't pass out from malnutrition in
the last quarter!
Jimmy Bairstow
Old man niggling injuries mean Jimmy has entered the
maintenance stage of his career. JB still brings great
commitment and leadership to every training session.
Don’t be fooled, this wise old man’s decision to take
a step back from the intense swans training schedule
means he will be firing on all cylinders come game
day. Expect big hits, strong hands, great leadership
until a hot temper takes over in the second half! Odds
on for BOG.
Micka "The Viking" Matthews
Don’t let the viking exterior fool you, Micka, another
of the new generation at the Swans is a big softie. He
has bought the viking attitude to the footy field though
in 2018, hard fast contesting across half forward will
spell danger for the Tiger’s all day!
Rod “Rocket” White
Hailing from the glory days of professional football
- when match payments consisted of a can of coke
and a sausage roll - Rocket, also known as Fossil, is
the inspirational playing coach that holds the Swan’s
together. He constantly suggests he is past his prime
but there is no argument that he is still playing on
another level when he takes to the field.
Rodney Stone
This unsuspecting accountant is a true hard nut Ben
Affleck style even training one handed for several
weeks due to breaking his finger in a marking contest
(it was kick to kick at training). After the incident Rod
had to explain to his disappointed girlfriend why he
could no longer wear his matching “promise” ring
they purchased together due to the enlarged finger.
What the hell is a “promise” ring?
Tommy “Watto” Watson
The players player and all round nice guy is one of
the most respected men on the team. Showing drive,
determination, focus and positivity not just on the
field but at post training and team bonding sessions.
Tommy set’s a great example of what a boy’s night
out is all about. New to Footy but learning very
quickly, the big fella has become a key part of the
Swan’s attack.
Oscar “the Grouch” Silk
Men want to play like him and women want to play
with him. This 23 year old heart-throb prefers to drink
from and expensive Evian water bottle at trainings
and insists on drinking cider on bus tours rather than a
cold frothie from the team esky. Reckons he is allergic
to wheat or something but the boys have spotted his
silver spoon a mile off. The Grouch has absolutely no
allergies when it comes to the roo-skin possessing a
great set of hands, a perfect kick and a high football
IQ. Spectators get out your popcorn... Oscar will put
on a show!
Tommy “the Pom” Holden
With a background in rugby no man has made the
adjustment to AFL better than Pommy Tommy. Though
quietly spoken his hard tackles, 1% efforts and
willingness to learn boost the teams motivation to
strive for greatness. A perfect example of how Asian
footy brings people from different upbringings to
learn, play and master this great game.
Dinh ‘Speedy’ Anh
Constantly evolving as a player the speed demon
will look to create pressure on his opponent creating
mistakes giving the Swans the chance to move the
ball forward. During the cannonball run legs his
reliable set of hands and increased understanding
of the game drove some great passages of play and
several scoring opportunities for the Swans.

Swans Team Guide
Doan ‘DANGSTA’ Dang
Local Vietnamese player Dangsta is naturally a pacey
footballer who could hold his own back in Australia
against people who have played all their lives. The
Dangsta will be a real headache for the Tigers.
Le Quang ‘Little’ Vinh (2)
Little Vinh showcases the spirit of the AFL and why
we love it. Not blessed with the height it takes scare
the opposition he is always willing to go up against
anyone regardless of size. Win or lose a contest Vinh
will be looking for his next opportunity to help his
team.
Tristan “overpriced beer” Robinson
Owner of a classy and respectable Bar in Saigon,
Tristan hasn’t offered the team half price beer yet!
Though selfish when it comes to providing cheap beer
for the lads Tristan is the opposite on field, providing
an option and also getting to the feet and back up our
lumbering forwards. A silky player who will threaten
goals all day.
Alex “Karaoke King” Jones
KK is an unassuming junior with a clean handball
who is a master at heading into congested packs
grabbing the footy and threading it out to release
to an outside player. His kryptonite? If he manages
to find a karaoke machine the night before the game
he will likely staying up long after team curfew and
belting out 80’s classics at the top of his lungs till
sunrise.
Tom Robinson
When he’s not raving with the “karaoke king” he’s
busy making his opponents look stupid. With all the
footy assets that make a great player Tommy is the
young fresh set of legs every asian football team
needs.
‘Irish’ Tom Delaney
The Jimmy Stynes mould has been rediscovered in
Hanoi. Talented tap ruckman who tore the far more
fancied South a new one in last year’s CVGs. Looking
forward to his debut in Swannies colours!
Damien "10 kegs" Judd
This being the 10th year of ANZAC games there’s not
too many Swans still standing, of the 3; GUS looks
like it was yesterday, Billy has lost precisely 167
phones on footy tours since and Damo has put on
10kgs a year by the looks. The big fella hits it harder
than ever and provides a wall in defense and a
powerful midfield option when needed.
Quang ‘Trungy’ Trung
The heart of the Northern Swans, Trungy brings as
much passion to the game as anyone and is inspiring
the next generation of Viet players out of the capital.
He also has built up great skills and dangerous game
awareness for any opposition.
Shane ‘Sha Mac’ Macfarlane
Another accountant who rings fire to any footy tour.
Sha Mac also fires in positions all over the ground
for the Swans being one of the most versatile players
on the field.
Nath ‘Sean’ Milner
Part of the most devastating sibling combos in Asian
Footy. Nath creates unbelievable bounce off half
back and makes it look so easy. Pace, skills, game
awareness makes it all look too easy!
Seany ‘Nath’ Milner
The other half, bigger brother Sean does the hard
work, going into the guts and using his trusty left boot
to thrust the Swans forward time and time again.
Jay "Plugger" Schlitz
Jay will be excited about strapping on the boots
against Thailand. The big bodied forward with a
great set of hands in the air and along the ground
topped off with a straight kick will be nightmare for
defenders. Many are suggesting we may just have
Asian football’s version of the great Tony Lockett.
Lukey Turner
The Swans original pom in defense Lukey has returned
from injury and has acquired an all valuable tour
pass for Penang. Lukey could be heading for another
Player’s Player back half to the season?
Mark ‘Sleepy’ Doherty
Missing the team bus is Mark’s biggest danger
come ANZAC weekend after just getting back from
Cambodia. If he gets to the field will be a goal
scoring risk all day!
Nguyen Quang "Big" Vinh
The original leader of the Vietnamese mafia, Vinh has
recovered from injury and is ready to fire!
"Uncle" Gus McEwin
Gus has retired more times than he has broken up with
his mrs. Looks a bit younger than he did in the Swan's
first ANZAC Game and the skills are improving like
a fine wine.

Tigers Intro
Since 2000, the Tigers have gone from strength to
strength on & off the field. The club have been regular
participants in the AFL Asian Championships, hosting
in 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, and again in 2015. We
also participate in the Indochina Cup and have taken
the cup home on four occasions – 2007, 2009,
2014 and 2015. Importantly we played a key part in
setting up the Indochina Bulldogs, a combined team
of indigenous players from the region with guidance
from their inaugural coach, the West Coast Eagle
premiership player and 2006 Norm Smith Medalist,
Andrew Embley.
Undoubtedly the key event on the Tigers’ calendar is
the ANZAC Commemorative Match, held annually
at Kanchanaburi Thailand. First held in 2004, the
game is played in honour of all the men and women
who have defended our nations as an ANZAC,
and we are fortunate to have Diggers in attendance
at our game, including men who were POWs in
Thailand during WWII. Traveling with the Quiet Lions
tour group, the Diggers’ participation is the highlight
of the event.
HISTORY OF THE TIGERS
The Thailand Tigers origins date back to 1993, when four footy blokes got together for a kick in
Lumpini Park. The club was officially established in 1996, with the Tigers hosting the Hong Kong
Dragons in their first game of “competitive football”. From there the Tigers would become an active
part of the Asian footy calendar, and in 2000 were part of the 4 Nations Cup – Thailand, Hong
Kong, Singapore and Indonesia – an event that would later be known as the Asian Championships.
2016 was the 20 year anniversary for the Tigers, and
and the club is still going stronger than ever. Recent
on-field success has enhanced the hugely successful
social scene that defines the club. 2016 also saw
the club establish the Sabre Tooth Tigers – our own
masters team, who debuted at the Bali masters and
have continue to attend each year since.
Led by Captain Shieldsy, in his second year in
charge, the Tigers are very much in a transitional
stage, with the majority of the current players from
origins other than Australia! The club are also
working hard to develop local Thai players, and
have made big inroads with an expanding Auskick
program attracting up to 40 local Thai children to
sessions. In our most recent match, held in Phuket
late march, the Tigers went down by the narrowest of
margins to the Indonesian Rockers.

Tigers Team Guide
Dave Shields
Club captain and reigning best and fairest, Shieldsy
is an ever reliable footballer who works incredibly
hard. In fact, Shieldsy is just an all round nice guy.
Good luck to anyone who tries to catch him, tackle
him, or outmark him.
Justin Olsson
Very creatively nicknamed, Ollie spent his first few
years keeping time and scoring for the Tigers before
a stellar off field performance at last years ANZAC
match saw him get his boots. A big unit, Ollie is
handy at either end of the field, possessing silky skills.
Goes very well when he is not hungover and not too
bad when he is. Look to see him possibly dominate
both on and off the field.
John Wellby
Wellby is a crafty forward who loves snagging
goals. Joining the club via the veterans draft, Wellby
has slotted into the side superbly and become a
favourite among all the Tigers, doing some amazing
work following on from the irreplaceable Bear in
running the Auskick program. For a greater insight
into Wellby, sit down and have a chat with one of his
boys and marvel at the stories that come out. His only
downfall is that he supports the Crows.
Michael Sammons
Club stallwart, games record holder, coach,
captain, best and fairest, leading goal kicker, t-shirt
designer... Samo has done it all! He likes to think he
looks like George Clooney, and rather bizarrely has
many photos of naked men in his outdoor shower.
A gun back man, Samo took up the coaching gig
so he could position himself at full forward. Samo is
a great clubman and along with Yoda one of most
toured Tigers. Look for him to either dominate, or go
off early injured if the Tigers are well behind.
Brandon Butler
King Joffrey! I had to Google it see who the hell this
person was, and I have to say the likeness is more
than uncanny. Joffrey has only just arrived at the
Tigers, and fully embraced all that the club offers.
Unfortunately he won't be around much longer and
this may be his last tour. A crafty little footballer who
knows how to find the goals, Joffrey will no doubt
tear games apart after he reaches puberty.
Andrew Smith
The rather nonchalant 2.0 has a dodgey calf and will
more thank likely end up flying to Manilla by mistake.
His last tour to Vietnam saw him go luggage-less for
the trip, so hopefully at least his bag arrives this time.
2.0 is also a hard working footballer who is very
hard at the contest. Look for him to challenge Ollie
for off field domination.
Eric Nguy
Easy by name, easy by nature. Easy looks like he
couldn't be stuffed playing football, yet he has
been playing some very impressive football of late,
taking his game to a new level. Can run all day
and has excellent decision making and disposal.
Unfortunately his abilities off the field have shown no
signs of improving, with plenty of work to be done on
his sculling skills.
Alan Sutherland
Yoda is the same age as the rest of the team
combined! Despite this, he will probably get as
many possessions as the rest of the team. A perennial
tourer and one of the longest serving Tigers, Yoda
has given a lot to the club and continues to make
massive contributions both on and off the field. If you
haven't shared a room with Yoda, then you haven't
truly toured with the Tigers.

Women’s Footy In Vietnam
WOMEN’S FOOTY
IN VIETNAM
Trainings on a weekly basis started in Late January
for the newly established Lady swans team. With no
time to lose in the AFLW Asia competition already
having three AFLW teams in the competition. With
the first game against Cambodia on the 10 th March
the girls had all to gain and nothing to lose, Coach
Chia Sabbatucci gathering ladies from all pools of
talent in Vietnam from Soccer, Gaelic, and Rugby
hoping that the girls could quickly pick up on the
fundamental Australian Football skills (such as
kicking, Hand balling, marking, and tackling) and
start having an understanding of AFL the game that
most Australians Love and breath. Skills like play-
reading and decision-making can be typically high
in women that have played other alike sports, but for
the gilrs that havent played these sports it will take
patience from the coaches to develop these skills
with the ladies. It is of great disappointment that
we couldn’t get the team together for the ANZAC
weekend match in Vang Tau with having half our
team with other prior commitments for the long
weekend, But we do hope to get a few of our girls on
the pitch with the golden oldies for a kick.
The next Official AFLW Asia game is against the
Malaysian warrior women team in Penang on the 19
th of May which we are very excited to announce we
will be able to field 16 Girls.
The Vietnam swans have established two goals for
2018 firsty short term goal is to have the Swans lady
team learn the fundamentals of AFL, secondly our
long term goal would be to send an experienced
team (girls having a broad knowledge of the game)
to the ASIAN championships in October 2018. Club
members have been very supportive of the newly
established women’s team and are very confident in
the Women’s AFL development. Stay tuned for more
news about the lady Swans journey!

Women’s Footy In Vietnam

Ron And Ailsa
Ron, can you summarize your involvement in
the Vietnam war?
My experience was somewhat different to
most others. I was permanent Air Force, in
communications. We did not get to form close
cohorts as we worked shift work, there were not
many of us and they rotated between Nui Dat
and Vung Tau. Sport and entertainment and social
projects helped integrate us with local people and
other services.
I left the country during the Tet Offensive and had
little time to reflect on the political and personal
effects of the war.
Ailsa what did you make of Ron's time here?
Ron had previously spent time in Ubon, Thailand
and on his posting back to Melbourne, he met Ailsa
who was in the WRAAF. They were engaged prior
to his Vietnam posting and married on his return.
Being in the Service, Ailsa was always up to date
with the war and with men returning regularly had
first hand info. It was a long year with so many
letters and one phone call from Hong Kong when
he was on R&R.
When you left the country what was your
feeling towards it?
We continued to live a life protected from the
outside world on RAAF base Darwin, so were not
subjected to the disgusting political backlash at our
servicemen returning from Vietnam. Even RSL Clubs
treated Vietnam Vets as second class citizens not
worthy of their membership.
When did you guys head back to vietnam?
what were your thoughts then?
It was forty years before Ron was able to return to
Vietnam and see the country in a different light. The
first trip was a tour which included Vung Tau only
RON & AILSA VERNON
Ron and Ailsa Vernon have become synonymous with the ANZAC Friendship Game in Vietnam.
Ron’s insights on the difficulties facing soldiers on both sides 50 years ago pre match for the
Swans stand new and old Swans hairs straight up on their necks
Ron presenting the Swans with the Friendship Match Shield after last year's win over
the Cambodian Eagles.
Ron & Ailsa have been able to make a real
difference to so many lives here in Vietnam
after such traumatic experiences here around
half a century ago.

Ron And Ailsa
Ron's motivational chats with the Swans player's pre-game have become the stuff of
legend!
because we insisted. The tour left Ron unsatisfied,
needing more time to see more of the city and the
people. We returned the following year wanting to
do something to make a difference to the lives of
kids.
How did you become involved with My
Huong and the Centre for Protection of
Children in Vung Tau?
We met My Huong through introduction by Glenn
Nolan and became involved with the Centre for
Protection of Children in Vung Tau. We returned
home and canvassed support from family and
friends to raise money to start a kindy for the young
children. These kids are now teenagers and doing
very well. These children are all either orphaned,
surrendered to the centre or abandoned but now
see the Centre as home and the others as family.
What’s your involvement now?
Although unable to contribute physically, we
continue to visit and introduce visitors, and support
the many projects My Huong presents. The Vietnam
Swans are one of the groups who visit and support
the Centre each year and their visit usually brings
ice creams and snacks which the kids love.
What have been some of the highlights of
your involvement?
They are reluctant to isolate highlights of their
involvement. So many special and moving
moments. It is just an absolute blessing to see the
lovely teenagers developing and showing what is
ahead for the tiny ones just starting. Regrets are
you can only do so much and you cannot help
everybody but you can sure try.
How would you suggest people get involved
if they want to help with causes like this?
Suggest anyone wanting to know more about the
projects and the Centre check out the Vung Tau
orphanage website and contact My Huong.
You guys have become a huge part of the
Friendship Matches enduring success but
how has it's development affected your time
in Vietnam?
We missed the first year and were really excited to
hear about it so next visit we made sure we were
here and plan our annual visits to be here each
year. The first year our son Brad played his first
game of footy on the same oval his dad played on
during the war. This meant a great deal as a family.
Ron's footy matches on the Lord Mayors Oval and
the camaraderie shared with other teams in after
match functions was so memorable. The Swans
and visiting teams carry on a great tradition and the
after match dinner is super important to the tradition.

FAQs

History Of The VFL

Saigon Colts Auskick
Each Saturday morning from 9am - 10.15am at the
Australian International School, HCMC D2, Saigon
Colts Auskick conducts an Aussie Rules Footy clinic
for children aged between 5 and 12.
Auskick focuses on having fun, kicking the footy and
meeting new friends. Parent participation is also
encouraged as the young kids love playing footy
with their mom or dad.
While numbers are limited due the amount our full
time coaches, we are able to provide the ‘Aussie
rules’ experience to the local kids who love to use
skills differing from Vietnams number one sport,
soccer. In the past year Saigon Auskick has increased
its ratio of local kids and look to further this as we
continue in the year.
Members are provided with a full uniform and this
year they also receive a replica guernseys of their
favourite teams, which also include the Vietnam
Swans.
Saigon Colts also play host South Melbourne
Districts Auskick each year, when they come to visit
Vietnam, touring the tunnels and coming to Vung Tau
to visit a local orphanage.
Saigon Auskick is extremely grateful of the continuing
support of our sponsors; Crown Relocations,
Outsource IT, Meatworks Butchery, AIS, and Al
Fresco’s Group. Their partnerships enable us to
develop Aussie Rules in Vietnam at the foundation.
If you like to know more about Auskick in Saigon,
please contact us via: saigoncolts@gmail.com and
follow us on facebook.com/saigonauskick.

Vung Tau Orphanage
THE CENTRE FOR PROTECTION
OF CHILDREN UPDATE
The association between the Vietnam Swans and
Trung Tam Bao Tro Tre Em Vung Tau/Long Hai began
with the Inaugural Anzac Friendship Match in Vung
Tau in 2010. Over this period we are happy to have
shared the story and introduced many people to the
staff and children at our centre and the school at
Long Hai.
The Vung Tau Centre is well and truly established in
their new home on Ngo Quyen street, Phuong Thang
Nhat and the majority of the school aged children are
now attending Government schools. The population
varies from day to day with new admissions and
some adoptions, but currently there are 92 children.
Children are admitted to our Centre for many and
complex reasons, including abandonment, inability
to provide a home or care, loss of parents and/
or family carers, imprisonment or picked up by
authorities when living on the street. In our Centre
these children have a sanctuary where they are safe,
well nourished, clean and prepared for life outside.
The Centre is their home and the staff and children
are family. Disabled children have special carers
and are given special exercise therapy. Many of
the children are affected by serious diseases such as
HIV, Hepatitis B and the results of Agent Orange, but
with medical support and dedicated staff,they now
live and in the future can live productive and healthy
lives. Last year two of our girls became the first of our
children to qualify and attend university. We see this
as a huge landmark.
The Long Hai school continues to develop the future
path for the children of extremely poor families. From
rough beginnings, the children are now showing what
can be achieved. All children wear uniforms sewn
by their own sewing class, have their hair washed
and cut in their beauty salon, repair and rebuild
motorcycles as well as their regular lessons. They
receive a hot meal each day and many have now
received push bikes to make their travel to school
easier. At this centre there is also education and
care provided for 26 mentally handicap children.
For these children being at the centre means they
can have an opportunity to mix with other children
and learn basic life skills. If at home a family member
would be required to care for them, hence one less
member in a family would then be able to work. It
speaks for itself that the staff turnover at the school
is very little. Our staff is dedicated to the cause with
little monetary compensation.

ANZAC Day AFL Brings Mateship To Vietnam
AFL Brings Mateship to Vietnam
Australia’s ANZAC Day AFL is underpinned by
mateship no matter where it is played, but in Vietnam
this is taking on a particularly profound meaning.
Since its inception in 2010, the ANZAC Friendship
Match at Vung Tau has been the catalyst for an
ever-strengthening friendship between Australia and
Vietnam.
Over the years, a close community of people from
both nations has grown around the match and its host
team, the Vietnam Swans. Every year, players and
spectators join together in respect for all those who
made sacrifices during one of Asia’s most horrific
modern conflicts, no matter what side they were
on, and to show their appreciation and support for
Vietnam today.
Match Founded on Respect for Both Sides
Former President of the Vietnam Swans, Phil Johns,
was first struck by the idea of an ANZAC Match for
Vietnam in 2009, when the Swans played in the
Thailand Tigers ANZAC Commemorative Match at
Kanchanaburi.
“25 April that year fell on a Saturday so we went
to the Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass and that was
followed by the game,” he says. “Three ex POWs
were there at the game. Listening to them speak [at
the service] had been incredible – to learn so much.”
Current Swans Captain, Bill Crang, agrees. “It was
really humbling…and that was when we were like
wow there’s quite a bit of power to this.”
The following year, the ANZAC AFL had its first run
in Vietnam. “We held a domestic match where the
Vietnam Swans fielded the two teams,” says Phil. “It
was a relatively low key event in terms of marketing
as we needed to ensure that we could negotiate the
sensitivities involved.”
The day began with a welcome address from Phil,
followed by a moments silence led by the Australian
Ambassador, Allaster Cox, and all three countries’
National Anthems. In his address, Phil explained
what the Swans were hoping to achieve with the
match and why they were holding it.
“The Vietnam Swans is just an Aussie Rules Club made
up of ordinary people from different backgrounds
who are living in an extraordinary place,” he said.
“We are humbled by the generosity shown to us by
those who have so warmly welcomed us into their
country, and…The Vietnam Swans hope that this
match will help build the ever strengthening friendship
between two friends: Australia and Vietnam.”
In the match later that day, the Swans wore two black
armbands while playing instead of the traditional
single band – one on each arm – as a symbol of
who they were playing for. “We all live here and
we’re very thankful to live here,” says Captain, Bill.
Reproduced from a wonderful article published on www.footyalmanac.com.au
written by ZoeOsborne.
ANZAC DAY

“We have a deep respect for anyone who fought
and on both sides – it would be two or none, we’d
never do one.”
We Played Here During the War
After its launch in 2010, the ANZAC Friendship
Match quickly sparked interest among the Veteran
community back in Australia. Although the Swans
didn’t know it at the time, the location they had
chosen for the match had also been used for Aussie
rules during The War in a league then known as the
VFL (Vietnam Football League).
Two weeks after the game, ex-serviceman Stan
Middleton left a comment on the Swans website. “A
full scale Aussie Rules Competition between [seven]
Australian units was conducted [twice a year],” he
wrote. “We initially played all our games where the
Greyhound Racing Track is now in Vung Tau… and
we played 14 a side because of the ground being a
soccer ground.”
Retired RAAF serviceman Ron Vernon also came
across Vietnam’s ANZAC AFL online, shortly after
the game. “The Swans just put different things on
Facebook I suppose and that’s how I picked it up
one night,” he says. “I contacted Phil Johns who was
running it and we communicated from there.”
Like today’s ANZAC Match, friendship was a core
feature of the VFL. Back then, the game was a
valuable expression of mateship for its players and
an important way to raise their spirits. “It was seen
as a huge morale booster for the soldiers based in
Vung Tau,” says Stan. “I know my unit loved it and
looked forward to every game. We would take at
least a truckload of supporters with us, as well as a
truckload of players. A truckload of beer too!”
“It was a fairly tough competition because some
of the people used to play in the top Melbourne
teams and they were pretty good footballers!” Ron
remembers, “Every game was played to compete
but after the game we’d all get together and have a
BBQ and a drink, it was a way of relaxing and just
friendship really.”
Today’s ANZAC match is a similar mix of serious
competition and friendly beers. A strong community
of locals, expats, veterans and AFL enthusiasts from
all over the world has gathered around the annual
event in commemoration and mutual respect.
It comprises three games – two matches earlier in
the day and the main game hosted by the Vietnam
Swans with their two black arm-bands. “This year we
saw the first women’s match in Vietnam,” says club
President, Eric Kerrison. “We also have a legends
game, which includes players from all walks of life
from Veterans to ex-residents of Vietnam and local
players just wanting to be involved.”
Vietnamese and Australians Bond Over the
Footy
The Swans team itself is a tight-knit group of men
of a range of nationalities, skill sets, fitness levels
and ages. They train every week at HCMC’s RMIT,
ending each session with beers, sausages and quite
often torrential monsoon rain. “There’s a little cafe out
the front that also sells beers and it used to be behind
a huge tree,” says captain, Bill. “You’d just stand
there and ask the tree for beer, and the owner would
bring it out. So the boys called it the beer tree!”
A growing number of club members are Vietnamese,
and to teammate Dinh Anh, the diversity within the
Swans is an ideal way to share cultures, language
and life experiences. He joined the club in March
2016. “I find the sport so interesting because you can
tackle and kick and use the whole body to play with
the ball,” he says. “I think more and more Vietnamese
people will want to play [AFL] because they can
learn about Australia and practise their English.”
The Vietnamese players also offer a new dimension
to the way the team plays. “We’ve got a few
Vietnamese players now that are at a good game
level,” says Captain, Bill. “They’re smaller and faster
so they offer a totally different side to our game.”
To Bill, the future of Vietnam’s AFL lies in generating
more local involvement. “Having more Vietnamese
The Cambodian Eagles before the 2017
ANZAC Friendship Match

players involved will get us playing more footy,
get the standards up, get us exposure locally in the
community,” he says. “And it’s great fun! We really
try to have a special focus on bringing local guys
in – it’s become a fundamental objective of the club.”
But while they are an increasingly diverse
demographic, the Swans are first and foremost good
mates. “You might ask some people from other clubs
here “what does this guy do for a job” and they have
no idea, whereas I know awkward amounts of stuff
about every guy in ours,” he says. “Back in Australia
the boys from footy clubs share a lot of things from
their lives and it’s the same thing here…”
The friendship within the Swans club also extends
to other members of the community, particularly the
Australian Veterans who make the trip out for the
ANZAC Friendship Match each year. “The Swans
are very inclusive of all us old VFL players,” says ex-
serviceman, Stan Middleton. “The shield they play
for is modelled on the one we played for during the
war! [And] they named their key note speech after
the game after me – “The Middleton Address” –
which was a huge honour.”
This year a few Vietnamese ex-servicemen also got
involved with the ANZAC match, coming to the
post-match dinner later in the day. “The Aussie Vets
living in Vung Tau reached out to them and they have
all started to go for coffees and beers together as
mates,” says Swans captain, Bill. “A few joined us at
the dinner…there are heaps of photos of the guys all
together. It’s become the stage where the [Australian]
Vets are coming back and trying to do good things
and the Vietnamese Vets are…welcoming them. I
think that’s amazing.”
Football Club Members Help People in
Need
Two such Australians, Veteran Ron and his wife Ailsa,
have been coming to Vung Tau for years. They work
with the Center for the Protection of Children at Long
Hai, raising funds for the Center through their own
initiative, The Princess Project, which was set up in
2008.
According to Ron and Ailsa, most of the children
at the Center are abandoned and many are HIV
positive. Most of them have been there for a long
time. “It used to be that [parents] could just bring
children in but now they really have to have a
reason,” says Ailsa. “Now, [many of] the kids are
abandoned. They’ll take them to the beach and just
leave them there or the Center will find kids living on
the streets.”
My Huong, the Director of the Center, contacts the
Project to let them know what the Center needs, and
they provide the funds. “We never give money to the
Center,” says Ron. “We just keep raising it and when
My Huong says they need something we try to buy it
for them.” My Huong has also put them in touch with
a few families in the Vung Tau community who are
equally as in need of help.
Although Ron and Ailsa work with donations from
a range of individual sponsors, their work is also
supported by the Swans, who hold fundraising events
to raise money for the Princess Project’s initiatives.
According to Swans President, Eric, this is a
fundamental part of the football club. “It is a passion
for the Swannies,” he says. “We have supported
various charities over the years by hosting fundraising
events and we currently support Swim Vietnam and
the Vung Tau orphanage.”
Their work with Swim Vietnam, a charity organisation
providing free swimming and water safety lessons
to children and training local adults as swimming
instructors, involves raising money to support their
initiatives. “It is heartbreaking from an Australian
point of view, and probably a community point of
view, to know that more kids die from drowning here
in Vietnam than in road accidents,” says Eric.
The Swans don’t run for profit, charging their players
just enough to cover costs. “We kind of exist to keep
rolling,” says Captain, Bill. “On Grand Final Day
we make a bit of cash, but everything else including
ANZAC Day is actually for charity.”
To Bill, this kind of work is the most profound aspect
of the Swans football club. “From our perspective
[this work] lets us exist for a much better purpose,”
he says. “Let’s be honest, we play pretty average
football in a strange place, so… it just makes it that
much more rewarding. I think it’s one of the strongest
things we’ve got.” A number of club members outside
the team itself also work in the Vung Tau community,
offering support to people who need it out of both
compassion and respect. To them, this work is a way
to express their appreciation and compassion for
Vietnam today, in a country they now call home.

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