Hanoi Coach, Ado who is currently on assignment in South Africa, reflects on the year that was 2011.

Last Saturday night, 10 December, 2011, the Swannies in Hanoi held our Awards and Presentations night.  Hanoi Coach, Adrian “Ado” Enright, lost in South Africa on business, says thanks to all via email. Below, his email is reproduced.

To all the guys at the Awards and Presentation Night, apologies firstly for not being there to mark what has been a massive year for the Club on and off the field. I wanted to briefly reflect on what has happened on the field, and thank a few people in particular.

Firstly, on the game front, I believe the momentum that was developed during the 2010 Indochina Cup (ICC) and the efforts of Stanno and Willy need to be recognised. They helped set the platform for what has been an incredibly successful 2011. Not only did we go back to back ICC, the ANZAC Shield again stays in Vietnam, and we also had our best result by far in the Asian Championships in finishing 4^th. We also sent the largest squad of Hanoian’s to the Asian Championships, and more recently seen strong turn-outs for our trainings week after week, recruiting new talents. That is something to be proud about and I wanted to extend my sincere thanks to all the boys who have been involved, both touring and non-touring members.

I just wanted to also very quickly pass on a huge thanks to our Presidents. At the national level, Fabbo (National President) has been tireless in his efforts to keep everything moving, and I truly believe a massive part of our success this year can be attributed to him.

Dan Hopkins accepts the National President's Award for Outstanding National Contribution.

To (Hanoi President) Crazy Dan Hopkins who, in all honesty, has harnessed so much enthusiasm in his first year as Hanoi President, it is really something to admire. You take on a huge amount, mate, and it is greatly appreciated by us all in the Club. From the trivia night, to Grand Final, to trainings and other events, plus organising tours and playing awesome footy, you have done it all.

A sincere thanks also to the contributions of Dan Kindness who I am devastated to have leaving us. Dan, it has been a huge help having you train us on Thursday and you have been instrumental in the Swans efforts for so many years. I will try and train the guys as hard as you do on a Thursday, but can guarantee to you that it won’t be anything close to what you gave us.

They are just a few of the thank yous  I would like to make, but there are many more I could have. There are the guys from the Embassy who have been amazing. David Divinny has been an outstanding support both on and off the field, Trav and Micky – the heart and soul of Hanoi footy, and everyone that has been part of the Club this year. Thank you so much. Let’s look forward to getting down and having a kick and some fun in 2012. Carn the Swans!

Dan Lucardie thinks winning B2B ICC 2010-11 is pretty good. Ditto the Hanoi Coach's Award

Coach’s Award – Daniel Lucardie

This year’s Coach’s award has been given to a guy who, although has not been able to make it on tour for us that often, for many good reasons, but is an absolute pleasure to have on the team because of his approach and commitment to the team on the track and in helping his fellow team mates prepare for tour games. Without doubt, he will always show up on Saturday and train his absolute hardest, making sure all the boys are involved, helping out wherever he can, and most of all, always looking to put the interest of the other guys first. He has more recently also put in a lot of effort to helping secure us a training venue, an illustration of his commitment to the Club and his team mates beyond just training and games.

This year’s Coach’s award goes to a guy who sums up what this Club is all about – commitment, enjoyment and always putting your mates first.

Congratulations to Dan Lucardie!