The Hodge writes about the ANZAC Friendship Match in the April 2013 issue of “The Word” magazine. (Original photo in article of Gaelic football replaced with ANZAC Friendship Match photo.)
Harry Hodge writes about the upcoming ANZAC Friendship Match, the EAAFL and the Vietnam Swans’ 10th anniversary in the April 2013 issue of “The Word” magazine.
A decade ago, OutKast’s Hey Yo! was blasting out at bars throughout the continent, the last old style Volkswagon Beetle was produced and China sent its first man into space. And some zany expats started playing a game called Australian Rules football.
A decade on and the Vietnam Swans, the nation’s representative team in the newly formed EAAFL (East Asian Australian Football League) are heading to Vung Tau at the end of April to take on the Jakarta Bintangs in a game with significance both on and off the field at the 4th Annual ANZAC Friendship Match. Tied in with a chance to to climb the ladder in the region’s footy ranks, the Swannies are looking to defend their home turf while celebrating their 10th year in Vietnam.
The formation of the EAAFL provides a lot more structure to an active, yet inconsistent, footy scene in the region. The League calls for a set number of matches between member clubs in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Laos.
“In those first few years, it always felt like the Club could fold”, says Vietnam Swans’ National President, Phil Johns. “(Now,) footy is alive and well and prospering in Vietnam and the Asian region.”
The Big Game
As National President and a proud Melbourne native, Johns is particularly keen on this year’s ANZAC match with so much happening with the club. The match also recognises ANZAC Day with ceremonies to reflect on Australia’s involvement in the First World War with numerous dignitaries and veterans in attendance.
“All players will wear two black armbands in honour of all people who have died in all wars”, Johns says. “It’s a recognition that the pain and sorrow associated with war continues long after their end. We then want to use the energy in a positive and constructive way.”
The club does this by raising awareness and funds to support the work being done by the Vung Tau Orphanage and Swim Vietnam, two of its signature charities.
“It’s a game of tradition ” says Brett Jotta, a participant who hails from Fremantle, Australia. It’s a game we play for a cause.
And all signs point to a another decade of memorable match ups to come.
The Swans and Bintangs square off on 27 April. A match will also be played between the All Stars and Legends. Both contest to take place at the Vung Tau Dog Track in Vung Tau. Click onto www.thevietnamswans.com/anzac-2013 for more information.
Swannies in the media.
To see other stories about the Vietnam Swans that have appeared in the media, click here.
