Last night at Saigon’s Cafe Latin Bar, a Thai Tiger was spied trying to blend in with the crowd who had turned up to watch the rugby (South Africa Vs Australia) and to look at the 4.5 litre bottle of Jim Beam behind the bar with a Vietnam Swans hat draped over the neck of the bottle.

The Thai Tiger turned out to be former Tiger President, “Robbo”. He denied that he was on a fact finding mission. Nevertheless, if he accidentally bumps into you and discretely starts asking questions about the Swans game plan, be suspicious. Just tell him we’re looking forward to next month and football should be the winner.

Robbo mentioned how extensive the organisation and planning had been for this tournament and that it really had generated considerable interest. So, cliches aside, you can’t help but feel that the Champs are going to be played in a fantastic spirit.

And with us being part of Vietnam’s first National AFL Team, it all sounds pretty exciting.