John Kennedy says, "Don't think. Don't hope. Do!" - a reference to those who are thinking of coming to the 2011 ANZAC Friendship Match. Standing beneath the statue are, from left, Stan Middleton, Phil Johns and Philip Murphy.

Last week in Melbourne, Vietnam Swans Phil Johns and Philip Murphy caught up with Vietnam Veteran and Vietnam Football League aficionado, Stan Middleton, at Waverley Park – home of the Hawks.

After posing beneath a giant statue of Hawthorn Legend, John Kennedy (who actually coached Stan) in front of the Sir Kenneth Luke Stand, they then went off for a refreshing beverage: latte. Unheard of.

Stan has recently forwarded some photos of the early days of football in Vietnam during the War. They can now be seen on the Vietnam Swans Web Album. A complete set can be found on the 2AOD’s website.

Unfortunately, Stan and his wife, Sinh, won’t be able to get to Vietnam for this year’s ANZAC Match as he will be at the MCG barracking hard for his Bombers to thump the Pies. But, he had plenty of good news regarding other Veterans who are extremely interested in attending our big match on Saturday 23 April 2011 in Vung Tau.

Meanwhile, preparations for the event are already well and truly underway.

The Australian Ambassador and Consul General have already confirmed their attendance at this year’s event. Several Australian television programs have expressed an interest in coming to Vung Tau for the Dawn Service and match. There’s even a couple of whispers about several celebrities who may attend the big day.

The nuts and bolts of the tour has commenced with the Hong Kong Dragons and Vietnam Swans currently booking our hotel, organising  the post match function etc.

If you’re thinking or hoping of coming along to the 2011 ANZAC Friendship Match, in the words of the great man himself, John Kennedy, “Don’t think. Don’t hope. Do!” (see his speech on You Tube). The entire weekend will be a weekend that you can’t repeat anywhere else.

For general information on the ANZAC Friendship Weekend, click here.

For specific information, email the Vietnam Swans President at vietnamswans@gmail.com.