New Swannies logo

National President Phil Johns unveils the new Club logo, speaks of the AFL cobverage on Australia Network and much more.

Dear Swannies, Sponsors and Supporters

  • New logo for Vietnam Swans
  • Update re AFL coverage on Australia Network
  • Heritage Round, Hanoi, 23 July
  • 12th Annual Asian Championships, Bangkok, 13 August.
  • Vietnam Swans 2011 AFL Grand Final Parties, Hanoi and Saigon, 1 October
  • The Vietnam Swans – The first 6 months of 2011
  • And finally…

New logo for Vietnam Swans (see copy attached)

Ross McRae has designed the Vietnam Swans’ outstanding official new logo. The Swans’ head and neck have been retained in the logo but strengthened significantly. And, like Aussie Rules, the Vietnam Swans know no boundaries. The Swans are very much from Vietnam – symbolised by the red “V” and the Vietnamese font – but we are also regional and have a strong association with Australia of course. We cross borders.

As an Aussie Rules Club, we have given greater prominence to the signature snap shot of Australia’s Signature Sport – the running player guiding the footy onto his boot – by incorporating it into our official logo. Several years ago, black became one of our official colours (complementing the red and white) which is now reflected in the logo.

Ross McRae has done another outstanding design for the Vietnam Swans. If your company needs some high quality graphic design work, the Vietnam Swans would be very pleased to put you in touch with Ross.

Ross is so iconic that he could go to Qantas with its red, white and black colours, slap a Swannie’s head on its marsupial and suggest calling it the Flying SwannieRoo. And get away with it.

Honk! Honk!

Update re AFL Coverage on Australia Network in 2012

As you will recall, Australia Asia Business, representing 16 Australian Chambers of Commerce and Business Councils wrote to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding a proposed reduction in the amount of AFL coverage on Australia Network once the new 10 year tender is awarded to either the ABC or Sky TV (Murdoch).

The Vietnam Swans, writing on behalf of 26 football clubs in Asia, then wrote a follow up letter to DFAT highlighting the broader benefits of Australia’s Signature Sport in Asia. During the week, DFAT replied (see copy attached). There seems to have been an encouraging slight change in the language being used. DFAT wrote, in part, that “ DFAT’s parameters will not require that coverage of AFL in particular or any other Australian football coverage be restricted but will ensure that sports coverage is balanced…” DFAT also wrote that once the winning tenderer is announced, Asian footy should write to the provider indicating our “strong interest in continued Australia Network coverage of AFL”.

To ensure that the Australia Network is already fully aware of what many people in Asia are thinking and saying, we have written directly to the Australia Network as well as to their Contact us page on their website.

As well as the Australia Network’s formal replies, we also received an informal reply that suggested it already has an inkling as to what is happening… “Take it from me… We are fully aware of the following.  Lord only knows, I get reminded of it every time I venture to one of my local establishments!  Vocal would be an understatement (in a good way of course).”

Whoever’s drinking at their local establishment is doing a mighty job and needs to be congratulated!

They also added that “Should the ABC be successful in its bid, rights negotiations permitting, we would certainly intend to maintain our commitment to broadcasting AFL to the region.”

So, nothing is locked in but it is looking encouraging.

Heritage Round, Hanoi, 23 July

It’s official! Saigon will fly to Hanoi for a Heritage Round Match on 23 July. The match will be an essential part of the Vietnam Swans’ preparation for the 12th Annual Asian Championships in Bangkok.

If you’re in Saigon today, be in Hanoi on 23 July.

12th Annual Asian Championships, Bangkok, 13 August.

The 12th Asian Champs, our 5th, are just 4 weeks away. To lock in your accommodation, please contact Derrin Limbrick (Saigon) or Dan Hopkins (Hanoi) by COB tomorrow.

Vietnam Swans 2011 AFL Grand Final Parties, Hanoi and Saigon, 1 October

Just 7 weeks after the Asian Champs, it’s the Official Vietnam Swans AFL Grand Final Parties.

  • Hanoi. We’re locked in yet again at JASPAS, 4th Flr, Hanoi Towers, 49 Hai Ba Trung Street. Tried n Trusted. Proven value.
  • Saigon. For our 4th year, we’re looking for our 4th venue!! But we think we have a cracker lined up. Watch this space!

Vietnam Swans – The first 6 months 2011

You may recall the Swannies first 6 months of 2011… There were the fundraisers for Queensland and Christchurch; the ANZAC Friendship Match; the Swing to Swim Charity Golf Day etc.

A presentation was prepared (but not shown) at the premiere of the Dog Eat Dog documentary of the 2010 ANZAC Friendship Match. It was screened in Hanoi and Saigon for the Ambassador and Consul General; Austrade; Auscham Board and Sponsors and the Vietnam Swans’ Sponsors and Committee.

To see a copy of the pictorial review click onto Swans – First six months 2011(1MB file).

And finally…

It’s just beginning. New logo, Heritage Round, Champs, AFL Grand Finals… Honk!