National Coach, Andy Glendinning announces the 2013 ANZAC Squad at training yesterday in Saigon. Simultaneously, Hanoi Coach, SOS, announced the team in Hanoi.

Yesterday, National Coach, Andy Glendinning and Hanoi Coach, David Skowronski announced the Vietnam Swans’ 2013 ANZAC Squad.

Below, Andy explains further.

Next weekend will be my first ANZAC Friendship Match. The passion and pride that the Swannies hold on this game made my task of selecting 22 players very rewarding.

Informing the players that they were in the side was unreal and it’s a good part of coaching. There is also another side: to inform players that they missed out.

I was encouraged to see the boys have their hearts in the team and all they want is the Swannies to do well.

Thank you boys for the passion you hold and, also, thank you to the Coaching Committee for making it easier this week.

Our National team consists of four from Hanoi, one from Hoi An and 17 from Ho Chi Minh City.

The game against the Jakarta Bintangs will  be a great one as Jakarta are very strong and they made the Grand Final in last year’s Asian Champs. This has all the ingredients to make a perfect ANZAC clash.

Congratulations to all players representing the Swannies this week end and good luck to all.

Below are the names of the 22 players who will make up the 2013 ANZAC Squad as well as the four emergency players:

2013 ANZAC Squad: Luke Creamer (C), David Skowronski (VC) Bill Crang, Alex Lewis, Travis Fallon, Brian Farrell, Daniel Hopkins, Damien Judd, Phil Ghasseb, David O’Shea, Josh Lee, Nick Moger, Andy Glendinning, John Redmond, Martin Beecroft, Damian Ballantine, Gus McEwin, Rick Boulton, Matt Townsend, Michael Johnston, Shannon Leahy and Ryan Evans.

Emergencies: Kyle Hackenberg, John MacFarlane, Harry Hodge and Paul Koch.

Thank you very much to Andy and the Selection Committee for putting together the team. A lot of tough decisions that had to be made.

Congratulations to each of the players selected. It’s a testament to the hard work you have put in and the esteem that the Club holds you in. Everyone in the grandstand next Saturday will be cheering for you. Wear the jumper with pride, work hard and enjoy the occasion which will, undoubtedly, provide you with a lifetime memory to reflect upon when you’re 80 years old and perched on your rocking chair.

To the players who missed out, bad luck – and rest assured that the Club absolutely values the contribution that you make on and off the field throughout the year. You are a super important part of the Club and the Legends and All Stars Match is a critical part of the day. The ANZAC Squad will be passionately supporting the Legends Match.

Message received from former Hanoi Coach, Adrian “Ado” Enright:

“Just saw the team for the ANZAC clash and wanted to send through a huge show of support for the boys taking part in the main match – and also the Legends V All Stars game. No doubt you guys have a mega day planned and it will come off a treat with some great footy played and a huge amount of fun had.

“Goes without saying that I would love to be there but will make sure I keep locked onto the website to see how we went.

“Rip it up fellas.”