Mr Ryan, who had a long a distinguished playing career with the Hanoi Swans and the Jakarta Bintangs – and has tru blu Asian Champs experience – was recently invited by the Swans to play for the red and white again next month.

Given Ryan now lives in Melbourne, we weren’t so surprised to receive his apology that he wouldn’t be able to attend.

However, unbelievably, Ryan went on to explain: “I was planning on it… but then got the unexpected call that my ex was coming to Melbourne… and she lands on the weekend of the Champs”.

Mate, I’d get rid of the ex!

But, in fairness to Ryan, he doesn’t mess up everything. He’s the one who fired up the inaugural Swans Annual Golf Championships at the prestigious Royal Ivanhoe Golf Course in Melbourne in 2005.

The event was so successful it was repeated in 2006 and has now become a permanent fixture in Melbourne’s Social Sporting Calendar. It’s played on the 4th Day of the Boxing Day Test Match (29th December).

Plan your 2007 Christmas holidays around this event – which is followed up by some of the best burgers you will ever enjoy, courtesy of Ryan’s barbie.  

(Photo from the 2006 Golf Day, left to right: Micky J, Mr Ryan, Fabbo Phil, Daniel Boone, Snags Canty and Mike)