Swan, Greg Armstrong and YVMDFL CEO, Stephen Walter, hold the two jumpers donated after the Bushfire Match against Bali; and the YVMDFL seniors

The Age today reported that the “deadly fire that burnt across the Kinglake ranges on Black Saturday was of such intensity that it would have been ‘impossible to suppress’, even 10 minutes after it began, the royal commission into the bushfires has heard.”

At the heart of Kinglake and Marysville sits the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football and Netball League (YVMDFL). On 27 – 28 March 2009. the Vietnam Swans and Bali Geckos jointly held a Bushfire Match and Fundraiser for the YVMDFL. At the fundraiser, we raised AUD4,517.

Last Saturday, 23 May, Vietnam Swan, Greg Armstrong, visited the hierarchy of the YVMDFL. Below is his email.

Meme and I made the journey to the home town of the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League, Woori Yallock, to watch an Inter-league match between YVMFDL and Ballarine. The day was greeted with sunshine and a big crowd who came to support their teams.

Upon arrival we were greeted celebrity style at the gates by the YVMDFL’s CEO, Stephen Walter and their President, Graeme Tulpin. We were taken up to the members’ lounge situated above the club rooms and provided with complimentary food and drinks for the afternoon and a perfect position to watch a great afternoon of country footy.

On behalf of everyone in the YVMDFL who were affected by the bush fires, both Stephen and Graeme expressed their gratitude and thanked all the efforts by the Vietnam Swans and Bali Geckos in raising money for those affected. They will be sending a YVMDFL jumper over to Vietnam as a token gesture of their thanks.

The day was topped off by both the U18 and Senior team winning on the day.

The YVMDFL's U18's; YVMDFL President, Graeme Tulpin (VN Swans match day banner in background); and some of their silverware