Luke Hodge, Phil Murphy and Brent Guerra

Indeed, it has been a big week for the Swannies bumping into AFL stars. Earlier in the week, of course, we had Nathan Buckley and Garry O’Donnell join us in Saigon for a footy clinic. And it hasn’t stopped.

Tonight, Swannie, Phil Murphy (Hanoi) who is currently in Melbourne on business, attended a function of the Hawthorn Football Club. Sitting on the same table were Hawk stars Luke Hodge and Brent Guerra.

Phil writes:

Took the chance to share all I could re the Swannies especially our planned ANZAC Day events. Luke Hodge was fascinated that there was a very active AFL team in Vietnam. I also mentioned that Buckley and O’Donnell had been in Ho Chi Minh this past week and that the Swannies were off to Laos this weekend to play against the Elephants.

They both wished our team the very best for the year ahead especially for our ANZAC event.

When former 1961 Premiership Captain Graham Arthur interviewed them, they both provided great insight into the year ahead and its always amazing how much work these guys do as a build up to the season. In fact, as we chatted, they both received a Text Message indicating that Friday training had moved from 9am to 8am start !!

Meanwhile, Matty Townsend has just sent an email to the Swannies touring party for this weekend’s match against Lao. The level of intensity referred to above, is nearly reflected in Matt’s remarks:

We’re approaching the time of the week where Gus begins to put aside his thoughts of overcharging rapacious mining companies for environmental services and begins to gear up for his 61st official tour as a Swannie. Follow in Gus’ footsteps and start to get fired up – and turn your thoughts to the Laos Peoples’ Democratic Republic!

Make it happen / if you dream it, you can do it / no second prize etc.,

Matt, who incidentally is not our coach, could be a great motivational speaker. For someone. Somewhere.