It was a fitting finale to a day of spirited football and tight results. Despite heavy morning rain falling on an already wet ground, the skies cleared after the first game and conditions improved throughout the day.
Four teams – Thailand Tigers, Phuket Power, Bali Geckos and Singapore Sharks battled it out across six hotly-contested preliminary matches before Thailand and Bali emerged to face off in the grand final.
Both finalists fielded small squads of just ten players, yet their intensity never wavered. In a gripping final, the Tigers came from behind to beat last year’s cup holders, the Bali Geckos, 5.0 (30) to 4.3 (27). The win was sealed in the most dramatic fashion possible. Marking the ball seconds before the final siren, Phuket local and Thailand Tigers representative Billy Costoglou calmly slotted a set shot from 25 metres out to deliver the win.
The crowd erupted, celebrating both the Tigers’ triumph and the emotional farewell of tournament founder Alan Sutherland, who played his final game in Tigers colours.
A minute’s silence was held post-match to honour the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit, whose death the previous evening cast a respectful hush over the closing ceremony.
Competitive force
While the silverware went to the Tigers, the Phuket Power side earned praise for their determination, teamwork and steady rise as a competitive force in regional AFL. Phuket rolled out twelve debutants, a remarkable statistic that underscored the club’s commitment to developing local talent and expanding the game in southern Thailand.
Among the newcomers, Thomas Powell stood out with his speed, clean hands around the contest and composure under pressure, earning him the Best Local Player Award (sponsored by Lady Pie). Meanwhile, Cillian O’Neill impressed coaches with his strength in defence and willingness to compete.
Phuket’s inexperience of wet weather AFL was evident during the first game. As conditions improved, only some polish in front of the goals stopped the locals from getting a win. Each game showed greater structure and more cohesive ball movement, laying a foundation for future success. Phuket’s results – narrow losses to Thailand (2.2–14 to 3.1–19), Singapore (4.6–30 to 5.1–31) and Bali (0.2–2 to 3.3–21).
Phuket’s contribution extended beyond their own squad, with eight local players representing the Thailand Tigers during the tournament. Five of those players took to the field in the grand final where their impact gave Thailand a considerable advantage.
None shone brighter than Costoglou, the Phuket hotelier whose after-the-siren set shot sealed the Tigers’ victory and earned him the Umpires Award (sponsored by Australian Visas Thailand). It was a storybook ending, a local hero delivering a championship moment in front of a home crowd.
Tournament results
Game 1: Bali Geckos 3.4 (22) def. Singapore Sharks 3.1 (19)
Game 2: Thailand Tigers 3.1 (19) def. Phuket Power 2.2 (14)
Game 3: Singapore Sharks 5.1 (31) def. Phuket Power 4.6 (30)
Game 4: Bali Geckos 4.3 (27) def. Thailand Tigers 3.2 (20)
Game 5: Bali Geckos 3.3 (21) def. Phuket Power 0.2 (2)
Game 6: Thailand Tigers 3.5 (23) def. Singapore Sharks 3.1 (19)
Grand Final: Thailand Tigers 5.0 (30) def. Bali Geckos 4.3 (27)
Individual awards
Best Player of the Tournament: Brodie Grumley (Bali Geckos) – Sponsored by The Phuket News
Best Local Player: Thomas Powell (Phuket Power) – Sponsored by Lady Pie
Leading Goal Kicker: Gerard Barnes (Thailand Tigers) – Sponsored by NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort
Umpires Award: Billy Costoglou (Phuket Power) – Sponsored by Australian Visas Thailand
This year’s Andaman Cup was made possible through the generous support of: Pacific Cross Health Insurance (Naming Rights Sponsor, 5th year running); Lady Pie; NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort; Australian Visas Thailand; Thai Expat Club; and The Phuket News.
The 2025 Pacific Cross Health Insurance AFL Andaman Cup was more than just a masters AFL tournament, from the first bounce to the final siren, players and supporters alike embraced the spirit of camaraderie that defines AFL in Asia.
For Phuket Power, the journey continues. With a vibrant new squad, strong community backing, and visible year-on-year improvement, their day in the sun feels closer than ever.
And for the Thailand Tigers, it was a day that will live long in Andaman Cup history.