The Shinboner has reportedly told Billy that,"Dukesy has gone back there; to the land of the long flat white. Now, you must lead the Swannies".

The Shinboner has reportedly told Billy that,”Dukesy has gone back there; to the land of the long flat white. Now, you must lead the Swannies”.

Today marks the beginning of a new era for the Vietnam Swans with Bill Crang formally assuming Saigon’s Captaincy and National’s Co Captaincy (with David “SOS” Skowronski from Hanoi).

Billy succeeds Luke “Dukesy” Creamer who returned to Melbourne last night where he is expected to live happily ever after with his lovely wife, Pia and imminent new-born, and his good friend, the Shinboner (Natty Payne) who nowadays lists the long flat white as his beverage of choice.

Meanwhile, the highly disciplined Cranger has already begun turning up the heat on confirmations and recruitment in preparation for this year’s 14th Annual Asian Championships which will be held in Thailand on 17 August 2013. In the previous two years, the Swannies have made it to the semi finals.

Some of the big names to have already confirmed their presence at this year’s Champs include Nick Shiells, the Milner brothers (Nathan and Sean), Damo Ballantine, Josh Daly, David Skowronski and Kev Hornblower. Dave O’Shea, who will relocate to Jakarta just three weeks prior to the Asian Champs has confirmed that he will be available to play for the Vietnam Swans (the rules of the Champs stipulate that, to be eligible, a player must have been a former resident of the country they are playing for).

Meanwhile, the recruitment drive lifted a notch in Saigon on the weekend with the arrival of a very fit and skilled Josh Leary from Frankston. And, we are now tracking down a 5′ 3″ fit American who is reportedly very keen to play some Aussie Rules.

Again, everyone at the Vietnam Swans, past and present, congratulate Bill Crang on his richly deserved appointment which also add a touch of excitement to the Swannies.

Do you want to join the Vietnam Swans as a player or a social member? You need to!

Update from EAAFL Website: Jakarta Bintangs thump “very undermanned” Singapore Wombats: 151 to 35pts.