By Chris McAsey

Thailand has won the inaugural AFL Asia Cup – and their first ever silverware – after an upset win over the undefeated Cambodian Asparas.

Cambodia came into the Grand Final as favourites after a 44 – 18 win in an earlier round, but the Thais overran Cambodia after a tense and tight opening half.

Although Thailand looked the more dangerous team in patches during the first half, it was Cambodia who managed to hit the scoreboard in the early running.

Thailand’s Nattanan Sangvanloy tries to break through a tackle by Cambodia’s Sophoan Peou.

Thailand started with powerful midfielders Irravadee Makris and Nattanan Sangvanloy in the middle, but it was Cambodia who scored first after a chaos ball opened up the field for legend Sreylak Koun.

The Thais were transitioning the ball well but couldn’t capitalise, with Cambodia’s defence led by Sophoan Peou holding up under pressure.

Cambodia led by 3 points at quarter time, but the Thais looked energised while the Asparas lacked some of their usual zip. Cambodia still managed to bring the heat in the second quarter, with trademark run down tackles by Sreymich Phat, Sreyleap Khoun and Sreymay Phat setting up scoring opportunities.

Thailand’s Sophoan Peou rebounds from defence.

Cambodia broke through for their second goal after a great tap on by Khoun set up Seangny Vith, who snapped truly from 30m. Cambodia’s high pressure game is taxing though, and while they led 2.0 to 0.3 at half time they were showing signs of fatigue.

The old footy adage, ‘they don’t get any smaller’ rang true as the third quarter got underway, with powerhouse Makris’s strong contested mark and goal getting the Thais on the board.

The Thais had gained control in the midfield and locked the ball in their forward half for long periods, further depleting the Cambodian’s energy. Makris won a big contested ball in the centre and handed off to captain Nongcran Saunders for another goal to give Thailand the lead.

Thailand’s Irravadee Makris on the burst.

A tired Cambodian team was losing structure and their task was made harder when tireless ruck Puthyda Prom left the ground with an injury.

A great saving tackle by Sophoan Peou on the three-quarter time siren limited the damage, with Thailand leading 2.6 to 2.0.

The last quarter became a David v Goliath scenario, with Thailand’s powerful athletes and midfield led by Makris, Jirapaporn Damhai and Sojirat Pradisom covering ground and kicking with penetration.

Thailand had winners all over the ground.

The Cambodians looked spent after a long tournament and though they never stopped trying, were overwhelmed by a better Thailand team on the day. Inspirational captain Sreylak Koun playing through five games with a broken thumb highlighted their commitment and courage.

Irravadee Makris was named Grand Final MVP and her efforts went a long way to bringing the Cup home to Thailand, but it was a solid team performance across the ground and a credit to their local development program.