The Vietnam Swans are proud to announce a new initiative being led by the Swans in conjunction with the Viet Celts and Saigon Gaels Gaelic, Hanoi Dragons and Saigon Gecko’s Rugby and Hanoi Oi’s and Saigon Shooters Netball Clubs – the Central Vietnam Games, to be held in Danang on 7 March.

Through the perseverance and determination of Swannies Hall of Fame inductee and Hoi An native, Michael “MJ” Johnston and new Danang recruit Jason Carter, a fantastic old ground with ample grass to accommodate an expansive game of Aussie Rules has been booked. An expected group of around 100 finely tuned athletes are expected to descend upon Danang for what is shaping up as a great weekend of sport.

Old rivalries will be stirred up in the Hanoi vs Saigon Aussie Rules clash, with the original Anzac Friendship Trophy up for grabs, won by Hanoi in a famous victory over Saigon in Vung Tau 2000 and retained in Hanoian Presidents’ lounge rooms ever since.

There is no doubt that the south has ruled the Vietnamese footy scene in recent years and will go into the game favorites, having the luxury of the lush grassed training fields at RMIT to prepare on and a deep playing list to choose from.

However, the cunning northerners hardened from years of grueling sessions at their modest Xuan La stadium and the various bia hoi’s around it, may yet have an ace or two up their sleeve, with some talented Viet Celts and a Central Vietnamese-Australian or two likely to make their Swans debuts to help boost the Hanoians stocks.

Swans sister club the Saigon Ladies Gaels will also be making their way to Danang fresh from their award winning 2014, which included two victories against their northern comrades the Ladies Viet Celts.

If seeking revenge for their loss to the Gaels on home soil at the SAGG Plate Final wasnt motivation enough, the VC Ladies will also be using this as a farewell game for one of the greats of Viet Celts Ladies football, Ms Claire Sauvage-Mar. The VC will no doubt be fired up to send their inspirational forward back home with a big first win against their Saigon rivals.

Many Swans are also expected to feature prominently in the Viet Celts vs Saigon Gaels mens Gaelic encounter, while the Shooters vs Oi’s womens and mixed netball clashes should also provide our Swans and Gaels with a further opportunity to shine.

“Like” the Central Vietnam Games facebook page to keep up to date with the latest developments as arrangements firm up.

Recommended accommodation is currently at the Eden Plaza – Following this link supports AFL local development in Indochina with a commission going to the Indochina Bulldogs to support local players to get on tours through out the year and eventually reach our goal of attending the International Cup in 2017 – http://www.agoda.com/eden-plaza-danang/hotel/da-nang-vn.html?CID=1651962.

Schedule (as of 3 Feb) – Subject to change, noting 4-team touch rugby comp yet to be confirmed.

Netball Court

0900-1000 Hanoi Ois vs Saigon Shooters Netball (mixed) – 4x12min
1030-1130 Hanoi Ois vs Saigon Shooters Netball (women) – 4x12min

Football Field

0900 – 0930 – Touch Rugby games 1v2, 3v4 (10min games)
0930-1030 Viet Celts vs Saigon Gaels Gaelic (mens) – 2x20min
1030 -1100 Touch Rugby games – 2v3, 1v4 (10min games)
1100-1200 Kids hour
1200-1230 Touch Rugby games – 2v4, 1v3 (10min games)
1230-1400 Saigon Swans vs Hanoi Swans Aussie Rules – (4x15min)
1400-1500* Ladies Viet Celts vs Ladies Saigon Gaels Gaelic (2x20min)
*Half Time – Touch Rugby 3rd vs 4th playoff
1500-1630* Hanoi Dragons vs Saigon Geckos Rugby (2x30min)
*Half Time – Touch Rugby 1st vs 2nd final

Aussie Rules and Rugby games may switch depending on goal logistics – TBC.