Sunday 22 April 2012

Legends Vs All stars - Vietnam Swans ANZAC friendship match

This is my third year with the swans and my second ANZAC friendship match day involvement. Its  a great day all round for families and footy lovers. For a full report on the main match and the clubs great work please visit the Swannies site HERE
Since my injury in 2010 the only football I have participated in is the annual the Legends Vs All Stars match. This fantastic concept allows many of us who are not in the firsts to pull on a swans jumper and get a few kicks. It is always played in great spirits and there is plenty of laughs. Saying that - we put in a good effort and 100% is expected from all players.
This years match started with the ALL STARS executing a perfect centre bounce tap, clearance and pass straight onto the [not insignificant] chest of Kyle 'Blocker' Hackenberg. Kyle duly converted and the signs looked good for the ALL STARs. Enter Danny Armstrong. The one time Swans first pick, forward, ruckman, age defying LEGEND had other ideas and as soon as he he got a sniff Danny didn't let his team down. The LEGENDs answered with 3 very quick goals and turned the game on its head. With the heat of the day at its peak now, the ALL STARS steadied and added a second goal shortly before the first break which limited the LEGENDS to a 1 goal 1/4 time lead. The game was played with a good level of intensity throughout the second quarter and the ALL STARS managed to regain a slight lead into half time. Youngsters Nathan and Quy were particularly good for the ALL STARS and their centre bounce work was invaluable. I managed a couple goals, Kyle continued to menace down forward, Alex Polson was also starting to win the ruck although long time Swannies veteran Paul Koch was winning his own share of taps for the LEGENDs. Swans veterans Matt Townsend, Shannnon Leahy, Peter Roche and Sam Stevens all played very well and threatend to break the game open for the LEGENDs.
At half time the ALL STARS were asked by coach MJ if they wanted to play just 10 minute final quarters or continue with the 15 minute format. With many guys not completely match fit the initial vote was a majority in favour of 10 minutes. With that, I decided to interrupt our coach and mentor for the day MJ, and ask the team "why they would opt for an easy option when this may be the last and only time they ever play on this ground". I suggested many of them would have great pride in reciting this day to their family and friends in the future and expressing  their great pride in playing for the swans ALL STARS  team.  We voted again and a unanimous count concluded we would play out 15 minute quarters. This gave me and I think most of the team a new burst of energy. We pushed hard in the third quarter and consolidated our lead. The LEGENDs kept in touch right through but a 3 goal ¾ time buffer was enough for us to hold on to victory.
WIN, LOSE or DRAW the game is an out and out triumph! Final scores were barley even acknowledged as the two teams came together to congratulate each other and thank their team mates for the small part we play in today’s event. Well done SWANS on another great ANZAC friendship match day event.

See the team sheet and download the record.

Black arm bands for the game




Matt Towsends hoplessly trying to put me off a kick (I scored about 2.5 for the day!!)

Sam Stevens

The boys always have a great day!


Thursday 19 April 2012

Manila - 38 hour reccy

The sport that comes to mind when I think about Manila is boxing! Ali-Fraser. And now Manny Paquiou. So, as it is now official the Natalottos moving to Manila July 2012 a post seemed appropriate. Sport seems like an important part of Fillipino life. Many basket ball courts and baseball parks in the city. Also soccer is big.
            
Did a FIFO reccy to check out the town and schools. It was fairly hectic!
Arrive Tuesday 3pm. Visit 5 villages (compounds), 6 (potential) houses for rent, 3 potential schools, the potential office, the hotel, 3 restaurants, 4 bars, 5 shopping malls and a cafe! Depart 38 hours later!  Back at work in HCMC Thursday 9am.!

>>>>>......TIMELINE.......>>>>>
3pm Tuesday - Arrive Manila
 
3pm Wednesday  - (Potential) School # 3
late Wednesday...






Thursday 12 April 2012

Triathlon Training - Sundays 3pm @ AIS sports center

Triathlon training starts this Sunday (15th), 3pm @ AIS Sports Center, Thao Dien.
  • Park bikes between AIS sports center and primary school.
  • Ensure you have a water bottle or some money to buy for the ride + run
 Full distance training
5 minutes war up   (Meet near the pool)
20 minutes swim   (Distance or style is not considered. Go as fast or slow as you like anyway you like)
30 minute cycling  (2 laps of Thao Dien on NVH)
30 minute run        (1 lap of Thao Dien on NVH)
Total (under) 1.5hrs
 
Short Distance
5 minutes war up   (Meet near the pool)
20 minutes swim   (Distance or style is not considered. Go as fast or slow as you like anyway you like)
20 minute cycling  (2 laps of BP compound)
15 minute run        (1 lap of BP compound)
Total (under) 1 hour
 
 
The 2012 Mui Ne Off road Triathlon by Vietadventures is on 26/05/2012.
 
Race options at Mui Ne are:
  • Stamina - 750m / 40km / 10km
  • Sprint - 300 / 20 / 4
  • Gekko Junior - 100 / 4 / 1.5
  • kids Junior - 50 / 2 / 1
Please check vietadventures website for all these details and to register for the race.
Also be sure to talk to the school first about registering as part of the AIS team.
 
Remember - its all about fun so see you down there Sunday April 15th at 3pm. Put it in you calender!
 

Vietnam Swans and spotting Levi


Levi has a way of sneaking into team photos. I think he aspiring to be that guy who crashes sporting events and gets in the frame. This is some of levis best work to date. Sneaking into the article in the word on the swans. Nice work son.! (Btw - The article is a great read on what the swans are up to)