Is foreigner-grade VB sold within Australia?
Its possibly due to the recent changes the company made to their branding.. which also changed the strength, and the labelling.. its likely your friend received "old ones"..

There was a loutish back-lash against the company, they have since "reverted", and embraced the fact that people LIKE a stronger brew.. 

still has no fizz though.

http://www.news.com.au/business/aussie-beer-favourite-victoria-bitter-back-to-full-strength/story-e6frfm1i-1226464247134