The Legends and All Stars promise an epic clash every year. Scheming, sledging, dirty tricks… its all fair game when the next year of bragging rights are on the line.
The Lagler Legends vs Al Fresco All Stars
The Lagler Legends vs Al Fresco’s All Stars game began as a bit of fun for charity. Cameron Luke from Lagler Australia raised funds each year from friends, family, suppliers and clients of his business to provide food, clothing and equipment for the Vung Tau Orphanage.
That spirit continues, although this event has become an opportunity for visitors and veterans of the Club to take an active part of ANZAC commemorations of the Vietnam Swans and the wider Vung Tau community.
After a lengthy winning streak, Al Fresco’s All Stars wrestled control of the trophy back in 2018. Could they do it again in 2019?
A Throwback to the Hanoi Hawks and Saigon Saints
This year is the 10th year for the ANZAC Friendship Match. The Swans thought the occasion was ideal to resurrect the playing jumpers of those two great teams that are such an important part of our history. Jack from Ninja Ink Tattoo Studio leapt at the opportunity, and came up with these great playing jumpers!
A Distinguished Cast for 2019
This year’s coaches were Eric ‘Kerro’ Kerrison and Adam ‘Stacka’ Corrall. The two have quickly forged a strong rivalry, taking over the mantles that had previously been held by Rowan Luke and Rocket.
Despite some early hiccups with some of the regular guests for this game, two teams were assembled. Of course, the lead up saw accusations of rigging the draft and stacking the respective teams.
The Lagler Legends fielded a team with 5 players enjoying AFL for the first time, 5 different nationalities, 4 players over 55, and only 2 players under 40 years!
The Hanoi Hawks were certainly bolstered by the last-minute inclusion of some visiting talent. Paul Halliday, visiting President of the Jakarta Bintangs even got involved!
Legends Leap Out Before Controversy Strikes…
The Legends started strong! The engine room (PJ. SM, big B, Andy, Lee, Tom, Coops) was firing, linking up with 210 years of combined experience from the 4 players in the forward line (Kyle, Kevvie, Dazza and a mid rotation). Defenders John, Josh, Shane and Neil were putting their heads, jaws, backs, and balls on the line. The return of the trophy to its rightful home in the South looked a strong chance.
However, with loose players everywhere, the Northerners of Al Fresco’s All Stars realised that Stacka had been stacking, with one extra more than once. A controversial decision by commentator Bill Crang and the All Stars Coach Kerro resulted in the Legends’ lead being eliminated at half time.
Others teams would have lost their way, but the Legends fought back to an even score going into the last quarter. Phil Jordan was running rampant in the mid-field and big Kyle was back to vintage form up front.
A Battle Royale in the Vung Tau Heat
The first three quarters was showing its toll. Long Nguyen won a free kick for his mid-field pressure… and the flood gates opened.
According to Stacka, it took a “3-goal in 5 minute burst by an ex-Essendon player” to get the All Stars over the line. Dale certainly looked sharp in front of goal, if thoroughly immobile. Spare a thought for his legs early this week, after a long flight home to Melbourne.
Back-to-Back for the All Stars
With a sealer from Dale, the trophy’s return to the North was assured.
There were strong showings from many players, both North and South. Best players for the All Stars were Edo, Andrew, Wade, Thien and Troy. The Southerners were lead by Phil Jordan, Lee Knowles (in his first ever AFL game), Luke Turner, Josh and ShaMac.
It’s a long pre-season until next years game… expect the Legends overs 45 year old development program to get the team over the line in 2020!
In the Other Games…
For all the other highlights from the 2019 ANZAC Friendship Match, check out the highlights video below:
