AFL Chairman, Mike Fitzpatrick has said the AFL will “seriously look at” a proposal by the Vietnam Swans to dedicate a Vietnam Veterans’ Day Twilight Blockbuster in 2013 to all veterans. But no promises!

Last week, the Vietnam Swans again wrote to AFL Chairman, Mike Fitzpatrick, about an idea for the AFL to host a Vietnam Veterans’ Day Twilight Blockbuster next year on 18 August. Next year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam. This time, a powerpoint presentation was attached.

Mike Fitzpatrick then replied to the Swannies that, “I can assure you the guys here at the AFL are taking a serious look at it” – but, in the interests of managing expectations, no promises!

Fitzpatrick adds that he hopes to get back to the Swannies in a couple of weeks.

Phil Johns, National President of the Vietnam Swans, said that he was very pleased with the AFL’s preliminary response. He said,

“The Vietnam Swans have been arguing that next year’s 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations makes this a ‘once in 40 years’ opportunity – which makes a decision time-critical. The Vietnam Swans have proposed an idea which, from our perspective, seems like a good idea for multiple parties. However, the one weakness in our plan is that the proposal is 100 per cent dependent upon a third party… Hmmm…

“From the Swannies’ perspective, the best initial response for us is that the AFL considers the idea, on face value, to have enough potential to warrant the application of dedicated resources to thoroughly test it. If the idea really is consistent with the AFL’s own objectives, it will fly to the next stage. If not, the idea will crash down to earth.

“If our idea was ever to fly, it always needed to be pushed over the edge. And now, the AFL is pushing it towards the edge. Game on.”

Background – The inspiration for hosting a match to recognize all veterans would be the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam – on Vietnam Veterans’ Day. The glue to hold the nation’s attention would be a match of Australia’s signature sport. The signature moment to catch the breath of a nation would be timing the minute’s silence at the stadium to coincide with a live telecast of the minute’s silence at Long Tan (6.45pm AEST).

Footnote – The Vietnam Swans would like to thank Austin “Ocker” Robertson for forwarding the presentation to the AFL Chairman.Also, for his article of support that appeared in the Subiaco Post on 30 June, 2012.