Former coach of the Swannies in Hanoi and now Cambodian resident, Stanno, will play for the Swannies again in Saturday’s Australia Day blockbuster in Phnom Penh against the Cambodian Eagles.
He’s the president of Binh Duong; he’s a gun player; he’s a devotee of wrestling and he’s a brilliant writer. Today, Swannies’ superstar, Dave O’Shea previews this weekend’s blockbuster: Cambodian Eagles Vs Vietnam Swans.
The Eagles-Swans is a rivalry so big, not only in the AFL, but also in Asian Football.
Who could forget the two consecutive grand finals played between the West Coast Eagles and Sydney Swans in 2005-06? Who could forget some of the battles that the Vietnam Swans and Cambodian Eagles had last year? Cambodia won the season opener on their home soil. Then they beat two weaker Swannies’ teams in the middle of the year in Vietnam before being hammered at the Indochina Cup in Hanoi at the end of the year.
Once again this rivalry will kick of the 2013 Asian Football season. The Vietnam Swans will travel to Cambodia to take on the Cambodian Eagles on their own turf. The season opener will be played on Australia Day and it is a match worthy of being played on Australia’s National Day.
The Four Points
How will the Swans handle the loss of a number of star players? The loss of Nat Payne, Heater and Phil Ghassep will, no doubt, cause some problems in the backline. The Swans will be looking for some big performances from the likes of Irish Brian, Billy Crangky, Tra-vy and Damo Judd (the best Judd in Asian Football).
The man who goes by one name that must be spelt in capitals (GUS) will be looking to fire in Cambodia. The veteran Swanny plays his best footy in Cambodia and will be looking to kick a bag from the forward line.
The Swannies have one of the best “fire up” speakers in Asia in Andy Glendinning. People come from everywhere to listen to his pre-game pep talks. Just what will he say in Cambodia to fire up the team?
How will the Swannies perform without the inspirational National President, Fabbo Johns? After 127 consecutive Swannies tours, this will be his first missed tour. The Swannies will be looking for some direction and leadership from Saigon President, Nick Shiells who will be running the team from the sideline.
Sentimental Note
The Swans will wear two black armbands in the match. One will be for Annie Jesaulenko, wife of Alex. Annie was a great supporter of the Swans and a sponsor through, Xango Juice. The other will be worn for my pop (Frank Pickering) who passed away last year. The match will be played on the day of his birthday.
Footnote:
We expect that this match will be the inaugural match of the 2013 East Asian Australian Football League. Confirmation expected shortly.
