By Chris McAsey

Footy in the Philippines is on the rise again after a Covid hiatus, with a new wave of development sweeping through the archipelago fuelled by passion, persistence – and 10 shiny Sherrins.

The Philippines Australian Football League (PAFL) recently pocketed the new Sherrins for winning AFL Asia’s 2025 tipping competition, a prize that could be a game-changer for footy in the country.

PAFL president Matt Jones hopes the Sherrins will help to grow participation both within and outside Manila.

‘More footies hopefully means more participation,’ Matt said. ‘We want to build momentum for the bigger goal of creating a domestic league and playing regular games for the first time since Covid.’

Recent signs are positive. There was great energy around the Philippine Eagles squad at the 2025 Asian Championships in Chon Buri, which included 15 Filipino nationals.

‘The majority of the team were nationals largely out of necessity,’ Matt said. ‘We don’t have as many younger working expats as some other countries.’

‘But word of mouth helped to increase participation and we’ve put a big focus on developing skills for new players.’

The Eagles’ big moment at the Champs came with their thrilling come-from-behind victory over the China Reds.

‘That win was huge for us,’ Matt said. ‘Not just the result, but the energy on and off the field with supporters watching and commenting online.’

‘The players all take great pride in pulling on the Philippine Eagles jumper.’

The Philippine Eagles v China Red game was hotly contested.

The Philippines has always punched above its weight in Asian footy, winning Div 1 at the 2016 Asian Championships and Div 3 in 2023. But the Eagles were unable to send a team to the 2024 Asia Cup in Vietnam.

‘Momentum with Filipinos trying out the sport came late in 2024,’ Matt explained. ‘We needed more time to teach skills before sending an all-Filipino team.’

‘But things have changed fast. We have a lot of players now who would be very keen to test themselves in an Asia Cup format against local players from other Asian countries.’

With new resources and a renewed sense of purpose, the PAFL is now eyeing sustainable growth.

“There’s always been a large turnover of expats over the years,’ Matt said.

‘Sustainable development is going to come from focusing participation on Filipinos.’

‘It’s about grassroots skills and showing how fun Aussie rules can be compared to other sports.’

Another stretch goal for 2026 is to field a women’s team at the Asian Championships. It’s uncharted territory for the PAFL, but there’s determination to make it happen.

‘We haven’t had a lot of female participation so far,’ Matt said.

‘Nicole Giffard, who made the All Asian women’s team playing for the Barbarians, has been a key person in promoting footy.’

‘We’d love to see a few more expat women involved. But like the men, growth will come from local players.’

Matt said the Eagles are also keen to recruit Australians with Filipino heritage to join a Philippines women’s team at Asia Champs in 2026.