Honk if you love the footy
In Hanoi and HCMC, we honk our horns because we love the footy. But arriving back in footy-mad Melbourne the other day, to my surprise, I discovered Melbournians still don’t honk their horns.
Unheard of.
I spoke with my nephew, Stuart Johns about him playing for the Oakleigh Chargers against Queensland in the TAC Cup earlier in the year at the ‘Gabba.
I asked, “How exciting was it?” He replied, “It was awwwesome with 15 w’s!”
Hearin’ ya there!! Seems like Melbournians just express their love for footy in a different way. Ah, cultural differences.
For those in Melbourne, the Vietnam Swans will be having a cricket day at the MCG on Sunday 28th December. The following day, Monday 29 December, we will play the 4th Annual Golf Classic at Ivanhoe Golf Course. Can you please confirm your attendance by emailing me at vietnamswans@gmail.com.
It’s been a great season for the Swannies. Captain Gus has compiled the attached 2008-season-wrap6 (Ed’s note – due to continued technical difficulties, by the host, we can’t load the wrap. It will be uploaded as soon as possible). It’s hard hitting. It’s controversial. It’s sure to strike up fierce debate and possibly, it could even destroy long lasting friendships and relationships. In addition, it’s an excellent summary of the many things that, as a Club, we have achieved this year.
Special mention to some of the more high profile departures from the Club this year – Charlie Williams, Sam Grigg and Jarrod Dale. We also have the imminent departures of Scott Stacey, Matt Johns, Nathan Forth and probably Muzza.
Miss Australia with the red cherry at Christmas time
An additional special mention to Willy and Potsy from Hanoi. They have established – and are now running – Auskick in Hanoi. In appreciation of your efforts, I attach a photo of Miss Australia wearing our jumper.
To all our players, supporters and sponsors, thank you very much for being such an active part of the Vietnam Swans in 2008. Thank you very much for being part of the unfolding story.
At the beginning of last year, who would have thought we would have a national team? Who would have thought that in 2008 we would play abroad in 4 international tournaments and host another 4 at home? Who would have thought we could design such a distinctive new jumper – especially when worn by Miss Australia? Who would have thought that the 6 blokes from Lao who played for us at last year’s Asian Champs would go on to stablish the Lao Elephants? Who would have thought that the bloke from Cambodia who played for us at the Champs in 2007 and 08 would go on to establish the Cambodian Kangas?
Read Gus’ Season Wrap and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
I hope to see a few of you at the cricket and golf next week and then, bring on ’09 for another great time – with the highlight possibly being the ANZAC Day match against the Thailand Tigers near World War II’s Bridge on the River Kwai.
Regards, Phil Johns
National President, Vietnam Swans
