Ron and Ailsa Vernon return to Australia after a busy few months in Vietnam.

On Thursday, Ron and Ailsa Vernon returned to Australia after a few hectic months in Vietnam.

Not only did they bring just under 20 of their friends to the ANZAC Friendship Match, we also had Ron, a 1967 premiership player in the Vietnam Football League, present the ANZAC Friendship Shield to the winning team (the Swannies). In addition, Ron and Ailsa did loads of tireless work to support the Centre for the Protection of Children in Vung Tau and Long Hai.

During the week, the Swannies presented Ron and Ailsa a “You can leave the country. But you can’t leave the Club. Honk!” trophy designed by Ross McRae Design.

Ron and Ailsa thanked the Swannies for our friendship and for welcoming them into the Club. They spoke of the ANZAC Friendship Match bringing a freshness to, and a reinvigoration of, the ANZAC weekend. They projected that the match will grow significantly each year and that they will definitely return next year with even more friends.

The Vernons have played a major role in our last two ANZAC Friendship Matches and their presence is a key reason for the momentum that the match is generating. And, with their selfless work for the Centre for Protection of Children – which they continue back in Australia by raising awareness and funds – they are an absolutely awesome and legendary couple.

The Swannies can’t wait to see the Vernons again next year!