Legends vs All Stars
First game of the day and what a cast of characters showed up to show out for this one! From those who now reside on far away shores, to those who came up through Viet Kick all the way through to a 53 year old Australian-Vietnamese kickboxing champion fulfilling a dream of playing footie on his home soil and those who have long supported the club and made sure it is what it is today!
This game isn’t about the scores or the dashing runs from midfield (no chance of those) but an opportunity for past heroes of the club to get around and kick the Sherrin around for old times sake.
Notable names who donned the All Stars white jumpers included:
Ladies trailblazer Chia Sabatucchi coming all the way from Melbourne, taking the field isotonic drink (tiger?)in hand, joined by former Hanoi Swans Eric “Pres” Kerrison roaming the backline and Old James providing ruck and aerial contest all day. Making up other notable former Swans players were long time sponsors Trave Fennel and partner in crime Thien. Other notable ins included current lady swan Beth Rebbeck and VietKick graduate Sam Le with his mosquito squad of Vietnamese talent and young Jack
On the other side of the ball availing themselves of the red and white legends jumpers:
Julian “The Big Rooster” Clarke making his first appearance in Vietnam since COVID, Rod “Rocket” White providing the ‘legs’ for the team, Pete “Father Jack” Mac, Vinh “Diesel” Le and Hung Phan champion Australian kickboxer and masters footie player who has been waiting a decade to pull on the Swannies colours.
The game opened with the All Stars jumping out to an early lead (mainly through points!) and this was a lead that they never surrendered closing out each quarter well in front. However, this was the last thing on any ones mind as friendship took pride of place and the ice cold arms of comforting frothy beverages beckoned.
Final Score: Legends 27 All Stars 46
Best on Ground
Jack Rowell
Goal Kickers:
Legends
Rooster – 2
Hung – 2
Pete Mac – 1
All Stars
Mark Pleiter – 4
Sam le – 1
Jack Rowell – 1
Vietnam Swans vs Malaysian Warriors
The Vietnam Swans got their day off to a strong start in the opening match, displaying excellent use of the football and strong cohesion across the ground. Malaysia, travelling light, received a few top ups from the strong Swans contingent on their home deck, though this would always remain a tall task.
The Swannies moved the ball well early doors with Paul “Paul” Villanova opening the scoring at the desert end of the ground. Jono Mackay would add to the scoreboard before Malaysia tacked on a minor only to see the Swans ascend through Will “Enter” Sandman and Bernie “Kaiser” Sier. Malaysia’s midfield continued to toil and managed to get some forward momentum getting the ball into the Swans half back line through Cal “Uncal” Green and which is where things took a turn for the Swannies but not on the scoreboard. Swannies President Matt Barton appeared to have corralled his man when fellow backman Jordy decided to lend a “helping hand” flying into a tackle that would ultimately end both players’ days. One head clash later, two gaping eyebrow wounds, both Swannies on the ground and the Malaysian player coated in a nice sheen of red the quarter was brought to an end while heads were bandaged. Swannies 4.3.27 Malaysia 0.1.1
Despite this, the Swans continued to control the contest, maintaining their structure and intensity Though this wasn’t truly reflected on the scoreboard with the second quarter only seeing 2 goals total against 5 points for the Swannies (a trend that continued throughout the afternoon unfortunately) thought the defense did hold Malaysia to a nice round goose egg.
Swannies 6.8.44 Malaysia 0.1.1 at the half.
As the heat began to grow so some of the tiredness began to set in for both teams and the match entered a bit of a lull with Malaysia standing strong defensively but not managing to get anything of meaning going again, meaning big man Matt “OL” Olivier-Lovett being starved of service in the forward line for much of the day and the Swannies managing a meagre goal for the quarter themselves. Swannies 7.11.53 Malaysia 0.2.2
With tired legs now winning the morning session after hard running across an even harder deck trying to avoid both sand snakes from the dusty end and snipers from the tall grass the other end Malaysia Player/Coach Nigel “Nige” Goode snaffled a conciliatory goal for the warriors. The game rounded out well for the Swannies with new Vietnamese starlet Hung “Monster” Ho booting one from close range.
Final Scores
Swannies 9.12.66 Malaysia 1.3.9
Best on Ground
Swans – Bernie Sier
Warriors – Jarrad Johnston
Goal Kickers:
Swans
Paul Villanova – 3
Jonathan Mackay – 1
Bernie Sier – 1
Warner McMahon – 1
Hung Ho – 1
Spencer Whittaker – 1
Warriors
Nigel Goode – 1
Malaysian Warriors vs Singapore Wombats
After facing a determined Swans outfit on their home deck and with relatively low travelling numbers the Warriors were always going to be hard pressed to tackle the Wombats being on the short break between games.
And so it was that Singapore were simply too strong all day, led by the galloping Stewart “Coach” Gray racking up the metres all over the ground and a domineering front line of Sebastian ‘Seb’ Ashton, Tom ‘Sarg’ Saggio and Dan ‘Brooksy’ Brooks the Wombats delivered three quarters of high‑intensity football built on pressure, pace, and clean ball movement. Only quarter one looked like the ugly sister that hit every branch on the way down with the Wombats showing early profligacy in front of goal booting 2 majors against their 8 minors! From there on out it was foot to floor and pedal to the metal as they remedied this in quarter 2 by smashing a further 7 goals followed up by another 4 in quarter 3 to add more misery to the wilting Warriors leaving it a massive 13 unanswered goals at 3 quarter time and an equally large 13 points, but for the wastefulness in front of the big sticks this neighborly rivalry might’ve made regional news!
Despite the circumstances, Malaysia showed resilience and continued to compete throughout the contest. The defensive unit worked hard under constant pressure, and while scoring opportunities were limited, the effort and commitment never wavered, culminating in the Warriors finally hitting the scoreboard in quarter 4 through Jordan “Jordy” Gill for their sole points on a difficult afternoon.
Post game Sam Clarke Warriors Pres could not be reached for comment so his able deputy Matt Olivier-Lovett filled in, unfortunately his words are not fit for print but it went something along the lines of “Quarter 1 – My pants are down, Quarter 2 – proper hiding, Quarter 3 – definitely sore, Quarter 4 – That’ll do, thanks”. Needless to say the Warriors will be itching to get some payback when they face the Wombats at home in a few weeks time.
Final Score: Malaysia 6.0.6 def by Singapore 17.17.119
Best on Ground
Wombats – Sebastian Ashford
Warriors – Lawrence Peters
Goal Kickers:
Wombats
Sebastian Ashton – 4
Tom Saggio – 3
Dan Brooks – 5
John Lazersfeld – 1
Josh Horton – 1
Anthony Randell – 1
Sachin Kinger – 1
Warriors
Jordan Gill – 1
Vietnam Swans vs Singapore
The Vietnam Swans entered the final match of the day with a reduced list following a tough earlier contest against Malaysia, and the loss of two key tall defenders left their backline under significant pressure. Matters weren’t helped with midfield bull and mustachioed maestro Ryan “Colonel” Tishler nursing a self diagnosed hamstring “tweak”.
Singapore came into the game full of momentum after a throttling Malaysia, and were quick to capitalize, controlling the contest early and making their shots on goal count. Having said that the Swannies stood up bravely to the onslaught and responded by booting a couple of goals of their own. The end of the first quarter saw the Wombats in front but not by much with their 3.3. 21 playing the home sides 2.1.13.
However, as the game wore on Singapore showed their metal and their strength and while the brave Swannies never gave up the absences and conditions started to take their toll. Singapore lifted a gear and dared the Swannies to go with them, booting another three majors to Vietnam’s 1 for quarter 2.
This would be the last time that the Swans would see the scoreboard. Quarters 3 and 4 saw a few spot fires with handbags drawn and players being “requested” to leave the ground to cool off. This didn’t seem to slow the indomitable Wombats as they continued to apply pressure to a stretched Swannies backline, blooding lots of new local talent. On the occasion the defense could clear their lines they were able to find the ever lurking Spencer “Strawberry” Whitaker back from his sojourn in Australia presenting his big mitts to take a grab and relieve the weary.
Though this one didn’t go the way the home team had planned they should hold their heads high as they never ceased competing.
Final Score: Vietnam Swans 3.2.20 def by Singapore 10.9.69
Goal Kickers:
Swannies
Sean Milner – 2
Warner McMahon – 1
Wombats
Dan Brooks – 2
Tom Saggio – 2
Stewart Gray – 2
Duncan Moore – 1
Dan Brooks – 2
Sam Duff – 1
Mixed Game Vietnam Swans vs Singapore Wombats/Wombettes
The ANZAC Day commemorations concluded with a spirited mixed match between Vietnam and Singapore, played in great conditions and an even better spirit that reflected the meaning of the day.
Singapore proved too strong across four quarters, running out convincing winners 81–17, but the scoreboard told only part of the story. The match was played in the right way from the outset—competitive, physical when it needed to be, but always underpinned by respect and camaraderie.
Singapore’s ball movement and structure stood out early, with their ability to link up across the ground creating consistent scoring opportunities. Their composure in front of goal ensured they made the most of their chances, gradually building a lead that Vietnam couldn’t reel back in.
Vietnam, however, showed plenty of grit. Despite being under pressure for large periods, they continued to contest hard, laying tackles and working to move the ball forward whenever the opportunity arose. Their persistence was rewarded with a handful of well-earned goals that brought energy to the sidelines and kept the crowd engaged.
Importantly, the mixed format once again highlighted the inclusive and community-driven nature of the fixture. Contributions came from across the ground on both sides, with players embracing the occasion and the opportunity to represent their clubs and countries.
While Singapore takes the win for 2026, the result sits secondary to what the match represents. As with every ANZAC Day clash, the game served as a fitting tribute—bringing people together through sport, respect, and shared history.
A strong finish to a meaningful day.
Final Scores: Swans 2.5.17 def by Singapore 11.6.72
Goal Scorers
Swans
Lauren – 2
Wombats/Wombettes
31 – 2
22 Lou – 7
24 – 1
Unrecorded – 1
