What’s all the fuss about? The right to hold aloft the Asian Championships Cup in 2013.
In Part II of his 2013 Asian Champs Preview, Saigon Captain, Billy Crang, takes a closer look at the Games.
Game No. 1: Vs Philippines
A big chunk of the Swannies will remember the hollow 30 mins following the semi final loss to the Philippines at the Manila Cup and now is the chance to avenge it.
The Philippines will still be riding high on their first ever tournament win and will come out with all their stars fired up. To match them, the Swans will have to play accountable and first to the ball football across the field and execute that little bit better than we did back in Manilla. This game completely sets the tone for the day, We’ll be unlikely to come back from a slow start if we get behind early.
The one to watch…
Dave O’Shea still gets reminders about “that” switch. In his return game with the Swannies, Dave will be playing out of his skin to make amends.
Game No. 2: Vs Singapore
The Swannies have a knack of drawing the self-appointed yardstick of Asian football. Last year saw an uncharacteristic bomb-out from the perennial finalists and after losing the Manila Cup by an after-the-final-siren kick, Singapore will come out strong in this year’s Champs. The Swannies have the belief that, as a whole, we can really take it to the Wombats and this game will be seen as the true measure of how we can expect to fare later in the day.
The one to watch…
Kevin Hornblower maybe breaking a record by lining up in his 10th Asian Champs (Ed’s note: former Singapore Wombats’ President, Neil ‘Steffo’ Steffenson has reported that with the birth of his first child a few days ago, “after 12 straight years, I will not be playing the Champs this year). The former Wombat’s experience will be key to guiding the less experienced Swannies brigade against one of the toughest asks in the draw.
Game No. 3: Vs Japan
The wildcard for the Swans. The Japanese are an unknown quantity. With conflicting reports on whether the team will be expat or Japanese, stacked or travelling light, the Swans will be very closely watching the early Japanese form leading into this game.
The one to watch…
Manu Devant will likely assume the ruck for the first time all day in this game. His fitness and athleticism threaten to take apart the unwary opposition but his lack of game time could find him out of position at times. A slight gamble for the Swans but the potential payoff is considered significant. Backing this move are three more genuine ruck options in the squad.
Game No. 4: Vs Cambodia
The eternal grudge match could serve to make and break these two rivals’ finals aspirations. The IndoChinese compatriots also seem to draw each other at most Champs’ tournaments. The Eagles bring in most of the form after towelling up the Swans in the second half on Australia Day and winning both games against the Swannies in HCMC last year. The Swans will take in the strong wins they had over the Eagles in last year’s Indochina Cup final.
The one to watch…
Ben Kilsby from Hanoi will make his Swannies debut in Thailand and the rumours coming out of the North are impressive. With the depth in the ruck rotations, he may find himself heading down to his natural Centre Half Back/Forward spots and the Swans will be hoping he takes the chance to introduce himself to Asian footy with a bang.
Whatever happens it will be a great day and one that surely will be good for Asian Footy and for the Swannies. We’re blooding a lot of new players and have so much potential. After a few unlucky games this year, this could really be the season’s turning point.
Thanks to all the sponsors and supporters and CARN THE SWANNIES!!! HONK!!!
Now, let the Games commence!
