Well, the final trainings are done and dusted now, and only a couple of injury concerns to report leading into match day. Self proclaimed ‘Captain courageous’ Norris seems to have acquired a scratch that needed hospital treatment, leaving him in doubt, whilst former playboy Sha Mac has a fever which has been bought on by the realisation that life really will end on the 15th of December.
The teams have all seen some late additions, meaning there has been a shifting in odds:
Long Bien Langurs – 2/1
Well they may have the worst looking guernsey, but they have shown remarkable ability when it comes to spotting talent and have put together a final list worthy of favoritism. Quote from Captain Potts recently was, “we not only have the best team on paper, but we will take it to the field, we have the best leadership team in the competition”.
Team: Trav, Pottsy, Francois, Charlie, Billy, Boy, Alex, Eckles, Vinh, Nhat, Phil, Bex, Steph, Mia, Amy
Phu Thuong Pangolins – 4/1
With so many leaders in this group they should shine, however, if there is a spill for power, they may end up being a rabble like the political scene in Australia. These guys are certainly worth a punt, however their skipper Trung is only a 50/50. No doubt some wise words from off field mentor Fabbo will see them rise and perform.
Team: James, Trung, Brewster, Jack, Minh, Micka, Jason, Rod S, Jake B, Darry, Fabbo, Cindy, Chia, Josephine, Yen
Tay Ho Turtles – 5/1
This team look like the fittest team that will be running around, with an abundance of leg speed and endurance. The biggest challenge for them come game day will be whether or not they can understand the words that will be spoken by their captain.
Team: Dan L, Quan, Tom D, Sean, Sygdae, Fionn, Pommy Tom, Jordan, Adam, Benji, Peter, Nona, Alexz, Giulia, Nhan
Hoan Kiem Herons – 8/1
Was a lot of talk early about this group, which unfortunately faded once their selector sobered up and realised that he may not have been fully focussed on trade day. The infighting between mentor and captain has subsided, and a united front is now being demonstrated. They have one key, the speed of the potato lover and hope that teams will struggle to counter this. A massive drop from favoritism, but a deserved drop.
Team: Jake, Dinh Anh, Jason, Shane W, Sam, Nitty, Cherer, Sha Mac, John, Miles, Kev, Nikki, Lucy, Trang, Tracey
Ba Dinh Buffalos – 15/1
With a recent overseas trip, the tank appears to be just that and may now be a liability. They have a couple of handy players being flown in from the South, which is lucky as the coverage from the North is very light. With no speed, no fitness and no ability, it is going to be hard to imagine this team doing much come game day, unless of course their number 1 recruit can play in all positions.
Team: Mick, Lachlan, JB, Murphy, Gus, Harley, Dang, Will, Todd, Leanne, Terri, Larissa, Siara, Lu, Lucy.
Cau Giay Crabs -25/1
Enough said, they will at least look like a team on the day, expect nothing and they will deliver it in spades. A lot of questions remain, will the Victorian appear, will the choreography sessions pay off for the celebratory dance, and will it even be needed. Leadership is also questioned here as this dynamic duo are likely to make the Friday team building session go well into the night.
Team: Kerro, Crazy, Long, T Love, Watto, Rob T, Rocket, Etienne, Lovesack, Mike, Naomi, Grace, Pauline, Linh, Nini
Get along and see who comes out on top! All welcome, including supporters and anyone interested in checking out some Aussie Rules Football. Food and refreshments will be available at the ground.
Notes for Players
Playing jumpers will be available for pickup on Friday night from Turtle Lake Brewing Company or at the ground on Saturday morning.
All the action will be at a stadium in My Dinh on Saturday, a 30 minute drive from Turtle Lake Brewing Company in Tay Ho. The field is grass and stubbed boots are encouraged.
The draw for the day will be:
Games will be two 10-minute halves (or thereabouts), with a short break in between.
Players should be at the ground at 9am for a prompt 10am start! Good luck!
Presentation Night at Turtle Lake Brewing Company
Don’t forget, the Presentation night will follow AFLX Hanoi. See you there from 7pm.
