Since its inception, the Pacific Cross Health Insurance AFL Masters (also known in past years as the Andaman Cup) has built a reputation as one of the region’s premier over-35s AFL events. In 2024, the tournament returned with great fanfare, with teams from Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and beyond converging on Phuket for a full day of matches.
The 2024 edition was won by the Bali Geckos, who overcame stiff competition to lift the trophy. That success has only heightened expectations for 2025.
For local side the Phuket Power, the tournament is more than just a fixture. It’s a chance to showcase how far the local program has progressed, to test themselves against regional rivals, and to ignite local interest in AFL in southern Thailand.
Nestled in a quiet area of Thalang, the ACG is one of the few full grass-surface multi-sports facilities in Phuket. Though originally developed as a cricket ground, it has evolved into a multipurpose sporting hub with a good playing surface and club amenities for participants and spectators alike.
In 2024, the ground’s lush playing surface and ideal weather conditions earned praise from players and fans alike. The 2025 event organisers will be hoping for similar conditions for the top-level over-35s competition.
The 2025 tournament will again adopt a Masters format: 12 players per side, playing two 12-minute halves, with the usual over-35 age restriction. Fixtures are expected to be announced in the lead-up to the event, likely with a morning start (around 09am) and successive matches through the morning culminating in a grand final early in the afternoon.
In terms of likely participants, teams from Thailand (Thailand Tigers / Sabretooth Tigers), Indonesia (Bali Geckos), Singapore (Sharks), and possible squads from Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia are expected to join the Phuket Power.
From prior tournaments, the competition has been fierce. In 2024, the Bali Geckos, captained in part by ex-Sydney Swans veteran Troy Luff, proved hard to beat, while the Thailand Tigers and the Singapore Sharks each brought solid squads with strong regional reputations.
Tournament History
2024 Bali Geckos 7.2 (44) def Thailand Tigers 3.1 (19)
2023 Singapore 6.3 (39) def Thailand Tigers 1.4 (10), Singapore 8.4 (52) def Phuket Power 4.4 (28)
2022 Thailand Tigers 8.8 (56) def Phuket Power 6.7 (43).
2021 Cancelled due to COVID
2020 Thailand Tigers 22.11 (143) def Phuket Power 1.5 (11)
2019 Malaysian Warriors 2.0. (12) def Indonesia Rockers 1.3 (9)
2018 Indonesian Rockers 7.2 (44) def Malaysian Warriors 2.2 (14)
2015 Malaysian Warriors 16.10 (106) def Thailand Tigers 9.6 (60)
Phuket Power will be eager to make an impact on home soil. With growing local participation (including recent integration of players from rugby, netball, and the Hash House Harriers), the club will aim to field a strong 17-20 player squad, blending experienced imports and recent AFL Asian Championship players with local talent. In 2024, Phuket’s contingent included a mix of Australians, Irishmen, Brits and Thais with many new arrivals to the sport. Even though results were mixed, individual performances (such as from Joshua Linthorne and Matt Stenning) were noted positively.
Spectators can anticipate a full schedule of tightly contested matches, shifting momentum, fast ball movement, and physical contests - classic characteristics of AFL at its best! Previous tournaments have delivered “match of the day” performances, nail-biting finishes, and standout individual displays.
On the sidelines, local support is expected to be strong. Entry to the ground is free and encouraged to families and footy fanatics alike. The ACG clubhouse provides the ideal raised vantage point to watch the footy. A range of food and beverages are available for purchase at the ground.
Post-match, medals and trophies will be presented to the tournament winners along with the leading goal kicker, best on ground, and local player honours. This year’s event has a new award sponsor in NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort. Lady Pie and Thai Expat Club have been involved since the first ball was bounced. Pacific Cross Health Insurance continues as the Naming Rights Sponsor for a fourth year and The Phuket News has been the media sponsor since the start.
For Phuket’s AFL community, the 2025 Masters is not just a tournament - it’s a statement! It’s about demonstrating that southern Thailand can host high-quality regional footy, that local programs can grow and retain players, and that interest in Aussie rules can flourish in tourism-rich locales like Phuket. In the last 12 months, 15 of Phuket’s players have represented the Thailand Tigers at international events, helping the national team raise the IndoChina Cup earlier this year and the inaugural AFL Asia Cup held in Vietnam.
For the visiting teams, it’s a chance to compete in a tropical setting against veteran players, and build camaraderie across the Asian footy network. Many players see it as a highlight of their annual footy calendar and one more reason to bring their best game on and off the field.
With the foundations well established from past tournaments’ successes the 2025 Pacific Cross Health Insurance AFL Masters promises to be another memorable chapter in regional Masters footy. Expect hard hits, creative ballplay, crowd support, and a true celebration of Australian Rules Football in paradise. Phuket Power welcomes any new players or sponsors ahead of this year’s tournament. If running, tackling and kicking goals is your thing, we’d like to hear from you! Contact us via Facebook.