The 2007 Saigon Saints Vietnam Airlines AFL Grand Final Brunch’s campaign has officially kicked off with the announcement that they have recruited Rod Ashman as their special guest speaker.

For those of you who aren’t fully familiar with Rod Ashman, Rod used to play for the Eaglehawk Football Club (near Bendigo, Victoria) and managed to pick up the Best and Fairest in 1972…

But as well as Eaglehawk, Rod went on to play 230 games for Carlton and played in their back to back premiership teams in 1981 and 1982. He was also named in Carlton’s Team of the Century as a forward pocket (apparently for the Blues Team of the 21st Century, the selectors are still waiting to see who plays in 2099 before committing).

The 2007 Saigon Saints Vietnam Airlines AFL Grand Final Brunch will be held on Saturday 29 September at the Legend Hotel. As well as Rod Ashman, it will feature a live telecast of the Grand Final on big screens, free flow wine and beer, a full day buffet and raffles – all for just 600,000VND (USD38).

All proceeds from the event will go to the Loreto Vietnam-Australia Program.

The event has a maximum of 240 guests (30 were turned away last year) and already 120 tickets have been allocated for sponsors and those travelling from Vung Tau and Australia.

The remaining tickets go on sale on 1 September – but the Saigon Rugby Football Club – which played a big part in the Vietnam Swans inaugural campaign at the Asian Champs – also has access to tickets.

For those wanting to sign up, email the SRFC Prez, Chris “Fines Master” Pago. Or, contact Darren Cotter the organiser of the Grand Final Day on dcotter@hcm.fpt.vn  

Whatever you do, if you’re going to be in Saigon on 29 September, there’s only one place you will want to be: at the 2007 Saigon Saints Vietnam Airlines AFL Grand Final Brunch.

PS Keep your eyes peeled for the revolutionary Countdown Clock to the AFL Grand Final on the Swans Blog. It’s set to appear soon and is expected to be awwwwwwesome.