In a landmark year for the Vietnam Swans, the 2026 Middleton Dinner stood as a fitting tribute to two decades of football, friendship, and community in Vietnam.
Held at the Twisted Throttle Tavern on 18th April 2026, the evening brought together players past and present, partners, supporters, and club greats—many of whom have played a role in shaping the Swans across its 20-year journey. We also celebrated the days on field events with our friends the Malaysian Warriors and Singapore Wombats.
President’s Welcome
Proceedings opened with an address from President Matt Barton, who set the tone for the evening—reflecting on the significance of Anzac Day and the 20th anniversary milestone, thanked those present for an amazing day and outlined how the evening would unfold.
Not wanting to linger too long for fear of upsetting the children in the audience with his increasingly swollen face he vacated the stage and made room for the real headliners.
Match Reflection & Best on Ground
Attention then turned to the day’s contest, and the coaches took to the stage to award their best and fairest for each game, with the chocolates going to the following players:
Legends vs All Stars:
- Jack Rowell
Swans vs Malaysia
- Swannies – Bernie Sier
- Malaysia – Jarrad Johnston
Malaysia vs Singapore:
- Malaysia – Lawrence Peters
- Singapore – Sebastian Ashford
Swans vs Singapore
- Swannies – Spencer Whitaker
- Singapore – Duncan Moore
Each performance reflected the grit and spirit that embodies the Anzac spirit and has defined Swans football for 20 years, but the coveted Rob Fennel Anzac Award that is presented to the player that shows the most Anzac spirit across the day could go to only one and this year that was James Blannin of the Malaysian Warriors
The Middleton Address – 20 Years of the Swans
The centrepiece of the evening came with the Middleton Address, delivered by the club’s two longest-serving national presidents—Phil Johns and Eric Kerrison.
In a powerful and often humorous reflection, they traced the arc of the club—from its early beginnings through to its evolution into a national organisation. Stories of tours, friendships, challenges, and defining moments brought the room together, reinforcing just how much the Swans have meant to so many over the past two decades. It wasn’t just a history lesson—it was a celebration of culture, resilience, and the uniquely Swans way of doing things.
Life Membership & Hall of Fame
In a year of such significance, it was only fitting that the club recognised those who have made an enduring impact.
Life Membership was awarded to:
- Kevin Wilkinson – Presented by Bill Crang
- Tracey Johnson – Presented by Trav Fennel
- Thomas Niit (Posthumously) – Presented by Rod White and Received by Naomi Reidy
- Grant Keys (in absentia) – Presented by Eric Kerrison
And the Hall of Fame welcomed its newest inductee, this is the very highest honor that our club can bestow upon a member and is only given out to those rare servants who have gone above and beyond in helping the club endure and grow.
- Eric Kerrison – Presented by Phil Johns
These honours represent the highest level of reward from the Vietnam Swans and is reserved for acknowledging those individuals who have gone above and beyond in service of the club, who’s influence will be felt for years to come.
Music & Celebration
As formalities gave way to celebration, the night lifted another gear with live music from former Swan Mark Stennet and his band Shark Biscuit.
Their set provided the perfect soundtrack to close out the evening—blending nostalgia, energy, and just the right amount of chaos as the Swans community did what it does best: come together and celebrate.
A Club Built to Last
The 2026 Middleton Dinner was more than just a post-match function—it was a statement.
Twenty years in, the Vietnam Swans remains defined by its people, its stories, and its unwavering commitment to the spirit of the game.
With Anzac Day 2026 in the books and an ICC and Asian Champs on the horizon, the next chapter is already being written.
And we can’t wait to see what the next 20 years has in store!
Honk!
