HONKKK- The Swannies are back in action, hosting the annual ANZAC Friendship matches, being held at Thanh Long Sports Centre in Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Our opponents this year, our neighbours and friendly rivals fresh of their incredible success in both women’s and men’s divisions at the Asia Cup held at Thanh Long Sports Centre late in 2024. They’ll have fond memories and be hopeful of spoiling our big day.
Last year’s ANZAC Day welcomed Hong Kong on home soil, where the ladies put up a huge score of 17.15 – 117 to the visitors 1.2 – 8 with 4 new debutants and the forward line firing on all cylinders. With momentum waning following their 2023 Asian Champs dominance, the ladies will be looking to reload this year and start the season the right way in our showpiece event and build toward another
The men’s team also came away with a convincing win in their ANZAC Day clash last year, taking care of Hong Kong’s men and getting the season off to a 2-0 start. They’ll be hoping to continue the momentum after a fierce battle with the Malaysian Warriors a few weeks back. After travelling understaffed the fellas will be looking forward to taking advantage of reinforcements that being the home team inevitably brings as well as strong training sessions and a weekend camp in our spiritual Vung Tau home the weekend prior.
ANZAC FRIENDSHIP MATCH WEEKEND SCHEDULE:
Friday, April 25th, 2025
AZAC Day Long Lunch – 12:30pm – 16:00pm, Jaspas Bar and Grill, Thao Dien, 1.9M VND all inclusive
Saturday, April 26th, 2024
Where: Thanh Long Sports Centre
Game times:
- 10:00 AM Legends vs. All Stars Game
- 11:30 AM President’s Address, Last Post, National Anthems
- 12:00 PM Men’s Game
- 2:30 PM Women’s Game
Swans former players are warmly welcomed – encouraged to have a run in the Legends vs All Stars game but stick around for complimentary drinks, some great action and a chance to tell a few tall stories of previous heroics down at the dog track and across Asia.
McMillan Dinner (post game social event)
- Jaspas Thao Dien @ 7:00pm
- 700k VND for dinner buffet and 3hr free flow
- Middleton Address delivered by Swans Legend Travis Fennel
- Kids and non-drinking packages available
Stan Middleton (centre) a rich part of our ANZAC Friendship Match tradition. 2025’s Middleton Address will be delivered by Travis Fennel who has a unique place in the Swans history and perspective due to his late dad’s involvement in the Vietnam war.
Sunday, April 27th, 2025
Footy Recovery Session @ Rafters Bar– 14:00pm
