Thailand is hoping the strength of its community development program and team spirit will drive success at the inaugural AFL Asia Cup.
With a standout local development program in place, the Thailand men’s and women’s teams have been training together leading up to the tournament.
President of the Thailand Tigers Jake McIntosh says the focus of preparation has been teamwork and maximising the squad’s speed and outside skills.
Thailand’s training focus has been on skills and maximising pace and outside run.
‘Both teams are working incredibly hard to ensure they are as prepared as they can be,’ he says.
‘There’s great camaraderie within our national teams and they are so proud to represent their country.
‘We’re incredibly excited by what they can produce at the Asia Cup.’
While it’s currently the off season in Thailand, the men’s squad has freshened up after a full season and have been able to train together more as a group.
The men’s squad freshened up after a full season and have been able to train together more as a group.
Jake says that several players are primed to have a big impact at the Asia Cup.
‘Captain/coach Mani Saunders is ready to explode. He’s one of the hottest prospects in Asia and ready to show what he can do on this stage.
‘Our latest addition from Phuket, Tan has the size and experience to dominate this format and will also play a key role.’
Long-time Thailand Tiger Rut was the instigator of local participation in the country and provides a cool head within the young squad.
‘Rut is the most determined player you will come across and look for him to leave nothing undone,’ Jake says.
Other players to watch our for include Deng as a defensive interceptor and First, a very talented young player who will bring dynamism to the midfield.
Jake says the women’s players are incredibly proud to be representing Thailand, and beginning to realise how powerful they can be as a group.
‘Captain Tud Saunders leads by example by always getting the very best out of herself.
‘Nothing can stop this amazing woman!’
Other players to watch include footy converts Dee and Bee, natural athletes who will run all day, ruck Pin who is relatively new to the game but boasts power and skill, and Benz, one of the smallest and youngest participants who makes up what she lacks in size with passion and tenacity.
‘Benz wears the Thai flag on her sleeve, has a beaming smile and puts her head over every ball every time it comes her way.’
The men’s team will be coached by Mark Saunders, with his son and men’s captain Mani playing an on-field coaching role.
Women’s coach Pez is working incredibly hard with the squad and has a rock-solid team around her working with the players.
