Perfect playing conditions and a great surface at the ACG greeted the four competing teams, namely the Thailand Tigers, Bali Geckos, Singapore Sharks and the Phuket Power.
The Bali Geckos, who brought over a big squad of players, were led by former Sydney Swan Troy Luff and included four indigenous Indonesian players. The Thailand Tigers had many of the core players from recent AFL Asia Championships, while the Singapore Sharks came with a similar team to last year which included that tournament’s best player Mark Dessent.
The Phuket Power’s squad of 17 players had two of Thailand’s best male and female players mixed in with a few Australians and some new comers to the game.
Phuket’s AFL program has taken significant steps forward this year. A close connection with the Phuket Vagabonds rugby team has provided sufficient numbers for local AFL games in Phuket. From these games, 12 Phuket players including three Thais went on to represent Thailand’s men’’s and women’s teams at the recent AFL Asia Championships.
In the first game of the Pacific Cross Health Insurance AFL Masters last Saturday, the Bali Geckos proved too strong for the reigning cup holders Singapore Sharks. Final scores were Singapore: 3 goals, no behinds to the Gecko’s 9 goals, 3 behinds. Troy Luff kicked six goals overall, an ominous sign of things to come.
The Phuket Power graced the ground in the next two games. The first was a very one-sided game against the Thailand Tigers, who hit 9 goals to nil against an inexperienced Phuket team. The Power got their hands on the ball but turned it over too often and looked at sea with an inexperienced front half.
However, they fared much better in the second game, and actually led the Sharks by a point at half-time. Joshua Spoke, Alex Knowles on debut, Matt Jarret and Matt Stenning were the pick of the bunch for the home team. Singapore were kicking with the breeze in the second half and managed 3 goals through Mark Horton and Simon. The Power fell short with just 2 goals for the half, meaning the final score read Phuket 4 goals, 3 behinds to the Sharks’ 5 goals, 2 behinds.
MATCH OF THE DAY
The Geckos and the Tigers then played out the match of the day, with the former coming from behind to win by a goal. Geckos 4 goals, 1 behind to Tigers 3 goals, 1 behind with Patty of the Geckos the difference, kicking 2 goals in the second half.
The Geckos then continued on their winning ways with a big win over the Power, with a couple of minor injuries to Phuket’s best players limiting their impact against a slick Bali side. Troy Luff kicked his second bag of goals thanks to the Geckos midfield dominance to leave the final result of 10 goals, 1 behind to Phuket’s 1 behind.
The Tigers were the better side in the final match of the qualification games with Hooey and Shieldsey continuing to rack up possessions and hit the scoreboard. Thailand won 8 goals 4 behinds to the Sharks 2 goals 2 behinds.
The Pacific Cross Health Insurance AFL Masters Cup was hotly contested. Scores were tight for most of the first half with both teams showing the skills and intent that got them to the final. Troy Luff had 2 goals to his name with the Tigers’ Michael Sanders bagging 2 of his own.
Tempers flared shortly before half-time as Singapore capitalised with a couple of late goals to leave the Geckos leading by 5 goals to 2 at the change. The Geckos continued their skillful display in the last half running out eventual winners 7 goals 2 behinds to 3 goals 1 behind.
Awards on the day were sponsored by Pacific Cross Health Insurance, Legends Sportsbar Patong, LadyPie and Aussie Divers Phuket, while a medal was also presented on behalf of the media sponsor, The Phuket News.
Pacific Cross Health Insurance AFL Masters 2024 winners:
Bali Geckos
Medal winners:
Aussie Divers Phuket Leading Goal Kicker - Troy Luff (Bali Geckos)
LadyPie Best Local Player - Tantai Theampipop (Phuket Power)
Legends Sports Bar Patong Best Player in the Final - Matty Orr (Bali Geckos)
The Phuket News Best Player of the Tournament - Patty O’Connell (Bali Geckos)
Pacific Cross Health Insurance Grand Final Sprint - Janu (Bali Geckos)
ACG Phuket Boat Race Winners - (Singapore Sharks)
Pacific Cross Health Insurance Netball Winners - Vagabirds
Local netball matches were also hotly participated while the AFL was playing.
Thanks to all the teams, event sponsors and the staff at the ACG for making the AFL Masters and netball possible.