Dave O'Shea, seen here at last year's Swannies AFL Grand Final, paints a colourful and insightful introduction for the 2013 Reds and Whites season in Saigon.

Dave O’Shea, seen here at last year’s Swannies AFL Grand Final, paints a colourful and insightful introduction for the 2013 Reds and Whites season in Saigon.

Dave O’Shea is well known for his colourful match previews and this week’s is no exception in which we kick off the Reds Vs Whites 2013 season in Saigon.

Ooph! Doesn’t Revo cop a spray!

It’s what the whole of Sai Gon has been waiting for and I’m pleased to announce that the Sai Gon Reds v Whites Scratchies are back on. This Saturday marks the return and first battle of the 2013 season.

With new teams and new attitudes this season is shaping up to be even bigger than last year.

  • Where: Thu Duc University (Never ‘Thu Far’ for a Reds v Whites match)
  • When: Saturday 9th March 2:00 – 4:00
  • What to bring: Red or white playing top

The Teams

There looks to be some really exciting battles all over the park between the two teams. The defenders named for the Reds are Billy, Travy, Dave Robb, Johnny Mac and Michael. They will have their work cut out against the highly attacking forwards from the Whites.

Speaking of highly attacking White forwards, new recruit Mick was a handful the other day at his first training session and kicked a bag of goals. The Red defenders will need to somehow stop this goliath. He will partner up with a number of big name Swannies including Shagger, GUS, Adam, Horn and new coach, Andy.

The Reds also have an exciting looking forward line. Welcome back to Fabbo. Fabbo has a knack for kicking miraculous goals and is a real sharp shooter. He will be joined by Kyle, Nick Shiells, new recruit, Marty, the player formerly known as Revo, and Kiwi Ross. Ryan probably won’t turn up but, if he does, could be a handful for the White defenders. In saying that, he is pretty soft so don’t expect too much.

The Whites have a strong defence with the likes of Damo Judd, Harry Hodge, Phil G, Mark Stennett and Kurt.

Some advice for the Reds: ‘Don’t get in Phil G’s way. You might die!’

Some advice for his White team mates: ‘Don’t make a mistake. You will get abused!’

What a duel it will be between the centre players. We have Dukesy against Dave O; Bitter Irish Rivals John and Brian will square off against each other; Brothers Sean and Nathan Milner will go head to head and new recruits Rick and Josh are both fit after the Vung Tau Boot Camp and will be looking to prove a point to their respective teams.

What a battle it will be in the ruck. Powelly and Luke Miller were the ruckman for their teams last year and named again in the ruck this year. Mr Powell has found some confidence under new coach Andy Glendenning and is training the house down. He won the handicapped soft sand sprint challenge in Vung Tau last weekend and will be looking for a big first game for the mighty Reds. Luke on the other hand has been spending a lot of time fixing up Ross McRae’s mistakes in the new supercoach format. The Whites will be hoping it doesn’t affect his game too much.

REDS. Backs: Billy, Travy, Dave Robb, Michael, Johnny Mac. Centres: Dave O, John Redmond, Rick, Nathan Milner, Powell. Forwards: Marty, Kyle, Fabbo, Revo, Nick Shiells, Ross Munn.

WHITES. Backs; Damo Judd, Phil G, Mark Stennett, Kurt, Harry. Centres: Dukesy, Brian Farrell, Josh, Sean M, Luke M. Forwards: Mick, Adam, GUS, Horn, Andy, Shagga