The strength of the Indonesian Volcanoes touring squad is one of much intrigue ahead of the tour, and the potential presence of some massive AFL ANZAC Match veterans is adding to the excitement this week.

As Asian Champions, Indonesia boast a squad rich in former top line AFL talent. There will be a handful of Tourers who have played ANZAC footy on Australia’s biggest stage: The Collingwood vs Essendon yearly ANZAC Day game at the MCG, which draws 90,000+ people to the ground.

Ricky Olarenshaw (Essendon)

The Volcanoes coach – Ricky Olarenshaw was a member of the Baby Bombers 1993 premiership winning team. Ricky actually played in the first ever ANZAC Day game between Collingwood and Essendon in 1995, which ended in a famous drawn result and Ricky receiving 1 Brownlow vote (judged 3rd best player in that game). Since then, the game has continued to flourish.

Now heading up an F45 gym in Bali, Ricky has become a regular player and coach of the Bali Geckos, the Indonesia Volcanoes and the Rockers (masters team).

Paul Williams (Collingwood/Sydney)

Also on tour will be former Collingwood and Sydney star Paul Williams, who played 189 games for the Magpies including several ANZAC Day games. He polled 2 Brownlow votes and was Collingwood’s best player on ANZAC Day in 1999, despite the Bombers winning by 8 points.

Paul Williams, Collingwood and Sydney Swans legend will be in Vietnam for the 2019 ANZAC Friendship Match in 2019.

At the end of the 2000 season Paul was traded to Sydney for two draft picks. There, he immediately made an impact, winning two consecutive Bob Skilton Medals in 2001 and 2002, as well as being selected in the All-Australian team of 2003. In 2005, Williams played in the Swans’ premiership side.

Paul is now a resident of Bali and will be touring with Indonesia. Perhaps a late sign-up for either the Saigon Saints Lagler Legends or the Hanoi Hawks Al Frescos All Stars???

Dane Swan (Collingwood/Sydney)

Former Magpies star Dane Swan is the final mystery ANZAC legend surrounding this weekend’s game. Swan’s name needs very little introduction, after winning the 2010 flag with Collingwood, being named All Australian 5 times straight from 2009-2013 and winning the ANZAC Medal twice, in 2012 and 2014.

Swan was spotted recently at Ricky Olarenshaw’s F45 gym in Bali with several of the Geckos players. Speculation is rife he could be a part of the Geckos last-minute training preparations for the Friendship Match? We will find out later this week!

Dane Swan may be a late call up for the Indonesia Volcanoes squad touring for the ANZAC Friendship Match.

Dane Swan’s appearance at recent Bali Gecko’s training sessions has the Swans midfield on edge.

Read on for more ANZAC Friendship Match news!

Plenty else happening this week – full ANZAC Friendship Match details here.

Stick to www.thevietnamswans.com and TheVietnamSwans on Facebook as our biggest game of the year draws closer. Live Facebook stream is being considered and we’ll be releasing details soon.