It would appear that since the heady days of Asian Championships Eve, the Swans Blog has been in a state of decline. Since that awesome day of 234 hits, the peaks have got lower – but not yet the troughs.

Nevertheless, it seems that the world’s financial markets have noticed, have been spooked and have plunged accordingly – as clearly shown in the attached graphs. George W. is taking no chances and has already directed former Fed Chairman, Alan Greenspan, to visit the Swans hierarchy. Apparently, Alan believes there has been some “irrational exuberance” surrounding the Swans of late.

“And why wouldn’t you be irrational?” adds Bill Lawry. “A great club, great record, great people. Perfect day for football today, here at Dead Cat Stadium in Hanoi…”. 

Bill might just be on to something. The Hong Kong Dragons, winners of the 2007 Asian Championships are confirmed to tour Vietnam (HCMC) on 1 September – as are the Brunei Sharks on 13 October and Thailand Tigers on 17 November.

Additionally, today word was received from the Malaysian Warriors that they would welcome a tour by the Swans in Feb/March and they want to play in Vietnam again next year. Meanwhile, our Elephant friends over in Laos have floated the idea of touring to Vietnam before the end of the year (more on this mega story later).

We also have two mega Grand Final events in Vietnam on 29 September. In Hanoi, the Official Vietnam Swans 2007 AFL Grand Final Party will be held at Jaspas. In Saigon, continuing a very fine tradition,  the Saigon Saints Grand Final Brunch will be held at the Legend Hotel.

Irrational or not, there are serious quantities of exuberance in Vietnam when it comes to footy. And that’s why everyone keeps honking their horns.

Irrespective of world financial markets, Alan will be doing well to stop the flow of exuberance over here.