MIchael Johnston reflects on the Swannies overall performance at the 2013 Asian Championships.
Swannie stalwart, Michael Johnston, has been having sleepless nights since the Asian Champs. He has been reflecting upon the development of the Club and its culture over the journey.
MJ explains below.
Having played in a number of Asian Champs for the Swans, I came away from last month’s tournament trying to fathom what was different this time.
Over the years, I’ve seen it (almost) all from the Swans at the Champs:
- ‘Never say die’ attitude;
- Physical confrontations;
- Examples of brilliance;
- Amazing mateship;
- Appreciation of the efforts of other teams;
- Support for the consolidation and growth of Asian footy; and
- Sunday breakfast attendance.
This year, one element increased its profile: professionalism.
On and off the field, the mood around the Swans before and during the Champs was of a club that is in control of its destiny.
At the start of the day this year, there was no discussion about drinking red bulls for stimulus prior to the match or gulping ibuprofen to dull pain during the match. Instead we had energy bars and isotonic drinks, with people encouraging each other to keep up the water intake and time taken for stretching between matches. Further, a number of players also went without alcohol from July 1st to prepare for a full day of football. Whilst sending some of our FnB sponsors into a momentary panic, this situation was rectified during the finals matches which we watched.
During the day, we were prepared with boundary and goal umps, as well as water carriers (thanks Mary for spending your initiation into the rites of AFL by running water out to us all day) as a result of planning before we left Viet Nam.
Halfway through the day, things were looking a bit grim after two losses (the Swans’ nemesis of the slow start yet again rearing its head) , but no one chucked in the towel and there was no finger pointing. Instead, a committed troop ran out for the last two matches and played great footy. Kicking goals wins matches, but it was the defensive efforts from forwards as well as backs in the final two matches that made us look like we belonged on the Australia Network in September!
A few months ago, we were worried about replacing half a team of fantastic Swans that had relocated to Oz or other Asian countries.
We showed at the 2013 Asian Champs that, whilst you can never replace specific individuals, the legacy of those who came before us is what strengthens the resolve of the current Swans to continue to improve the way our club conducts itself on behalf of Asian football.
