Koto takes a screamer over Gary O'Donnell!

[Stop Press: See a bunch of photos, courtesy of Ross McRae by clicking here] Yesterday at RMIT in Saigon, Gary O’Donnell and Nathan Buckley assisted the Vietnam Swans run a footy clinic.

Nathan Buckley, “fresh” who had been coaching a Collingwood footy match in Mt Gambier the previous evening had to get back to Melbourne, then grab the flight to Saigon – and then go directly to the ground and rip straight into it.

Both players (actually, now assistant coaches) made it look like running the footy clinic was the only thing they wanted to do. And the kids responded. We can’t recall seeing such a vast sea of smiles. It was amazing. Without exception, everyone had a grin that joined their ears – especially the local KOTO kids (KOTO is a not-for-profit restaurant and vocational training program that is changing the lives of street and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam).

O'Donnell and Bucks with some of the Swannies

Even though Saigon is so far away from Australia, there was no escaping the autograph hunters. They came from everywhere as did the “Can I have my photo taken with you?” requests.

Throughout, Gary and Nathan continued to make it look like it was the only thing they wanted to do. We can only imagine what their focus must be like with their charges back at Essendon and Collingwood.

When the clinic finished, so too had the daylight. Nevertheless, the KOTO kids challenged the prized cattle to a Vietnamese game where they kick a shuttlecock to each other around a group without allowing it to hit the ground – somehow! The Vietnamese won easily.

The adults then enjoyed one beer in a Vietnam Swans stubby holder before it was time to leave.

These leaders of men and children, over such an extended number of years, do have an aura and a presence. A one off event for them. A lifetime memory for us.

Lots of photos to follow.