When : Saturday, November 13th from 9.15am, Games commence at 10am

Where : The National Sports Training Centre, Tu Liem, Hanoi

https://maps.app.goo.gl/65BHZgmDyXFn1eB9A

After a year of uncertainty and months of lockdowns, the National Sports Training Centre in Hanoi will welcome the long-awaited first round of the GAAAFL League on Saturday, November 13th. With 100 plus players over two codes, it is bound to be Hanoi’s most fiercely contested domestic AFL and GAA league yet.

Both the Men’s and Ladies teams will field sides in both AFL and GAA over the ensuing months; the Ba Dinh Buffalos, Cau Giay Crabs, Hoan Kiem Herons and Long Bien Langurs all vying for top honours across the board. Unfortunately, for a second straight year the Pangolins have failed to make the grade, owing to Carltonesque off field leadership and a harrowing Vietnam record 0-8 win-loss record.

The first round of fixtures will see three massive games of AFL; all teams and players trying to shake off the lockdown kilos and help guide their teams to victory.

The Buffalos and Crabs kick off the weekend and there is set to be plenty of spite in a rematch of last year’s HAFL Grand Final. The Mayor of Flavour(less) town, Todd Donovan, and the Sundial’ Ross Earley, will lead out the Buffs, a team which appears more suited to the deep, dark alleyways of Ba Dinh’s bia hois than a football field. However, the inclusion of a number of new faces from the Vietcelts promises to give them some hope and belief. The Crabs on the other hand, led by Pierluigi Collina’s twin brother, JW and the best Vietcelts player, Tommy Lynch, look formidable. A mix of old and new, this team looks the real deal and if the Tank and Asia’s angriest ruckman are fired up, they’ll be hard to stop!

Question marks remain over the Long Bien Mayors commitment to the Crabs, however…

Crabs by the length of Callanan’s cannon! 50 points.

Next up is the eagerly anticipated matchup between the high-flying Herons and Hanoi’s great disappointments, the Langurs. Will Norris’ hairline and Jason’s body hold up, this remains to be seen! The inclusion of multiple new players to a hungry-for-revenge squad promises to give the Herons belief, so watch out for Vietcelts’ Browne and Faughan to impose. For the Langurs, is it fourth time lucky for the perennial Premiers on Paper? Or bust once again? Langurs captains, Siara’s husband and Oisin Carr, the hottest commodity since fully qualified English teachers, will lead the charge. Villa joins this seriously impressive looking team, with hope his footballing ability against under 50s is better than his comedy…and two Irish tanks, Barrett and Daragh looking like they may eat the opposition rather than beat it on the field. This one should be extremely close!

The last match up for the day, and with primetime billing, sees the Ladies take to the field, in what promises to be an enthralling contest between a combined Crabs and Langurs outfit against the Buffalos and Herons. In a first for our domestic competition in Hanoi and Vietnam, this game will see two fully female sides battling it out, owing to the growth of Women’s football in this country. The Crabs/Langurs team sees cycling afficionado Natasha Coulter and Maeve Culhane lead a team packed full of zest and energy. Players will be hungry to show their worth, with a contingent of fierce Viet ladies ready to take this game by storm. Watch out for goal sneak Tierney, nee Jeeraporn to continue her goalkicking exploits. The Buffs/Herons combination looks extremely potent, with a mix of youth and experience. Too Good For Pottsy’ Siara, Ash Abrahams and her healed leg, Flying’ Flavin, Bezuidhenout (don’t bother trying to pronounce that) and tackling machine Marah, are also ready for battle. Rumours of the inclusion of an ex-GAA player are abound for this exciting side, and with so many storylines, this promises to be my Match of The Day!

Catch all of this great action from 10am at the National Sports Training Centre, Tu Liem, Hanoi on Saturday, November 13th. Players and spectators to arrive from 9.15am. Everyone welcome! Honk!