History of Asian Championships

Australian Rules has been played in Asia since 1990, starting with a game in Hong Kong between two teams of expatriate Australians. Umpires were flown up from Australia for the game with a healthy crowd of around 4,000 in attendance. In 1992, teams from Malaysia and Tokyo were formed, and the expatriates in Hong Kong combined together to tour to both of these locations in 1992. In the years that followed, teams were formed from Singapore, Thailand, Saigon, Hanoi, Jakarta, Bali, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, China and most recently, the Philippines, who were formed in 2004. However, it was in 2000 that it was decided to hold an annual round robin competition to decide who would be the "Asian Champions".

The inaugural event was held in Jakarta in June 2000, with teams from Indonesia, Brunei, Hong Kong and Singapore competing. Indonesia took the cup in the grand final against Hong Kong.

In 2001 was held in Bangkok with Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia competing. Singapore took the cup from Indonesia in the final.

In 2002 the championships moved to Singapore and were contested between Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and a combined China/Malaysia side. The final was a repeat of 2002, but with Indonesia winning back their crown.

In 2003 the championships went north to Hong Kong, with 2 sides from Hong Kong competing along with Indonesia and China. Hong Kong beat Indonesia in a close final.

In 2004, the Malaysian Warriors Football Club (MWFC) hosted the Asian Championships in Kuala Lumpur. This was the fifth annual Asian Championships in which Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Jakarta and Bali participated. Hong Kong went back to back in 2004 thrashing Singapore in the final in wet and sloppy conditions in Kuala Lumpur.

In 2005, the Philippines hosted the 6th Annual Asian Championships. It was the biggest Aussie Rules competition ever played in Asia, with 9 participating teams from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Jakarta, Bali, with debutants Japan and the Philippines. In a nail biting finish, Singapore ran out winners over a gallant Bali.

In 2006, the Champs moved back to Jakarta and with a replay of the year before, with Singapore running away winners once again, over Bali, making it their 3rd title.

In 2007, the 8th Annual Asian Championships moved to Bangkok. Bali, the rising power in Asian footy, made it into their 3rd straight Asian Championships Grand Final, coming up against Hong Kong. Unfortunately for Bali, the Hong Kong Dragons won their 3rd title.

In 2008, Singapore hosted the Asian championships for the second time. Ten teams participated this year proving once again how strong Aussie Rules is becoming in the region. The final was played between UAE and Singapore. UAE were superb, their standard of play was excellent and their ability to convert second to none kicking 10 goals straight. In the end, they ran out deserved winners on the day. Singapore fought hard, but were outclassed in the final going down by 36 points, handing the UAE their very first Asian Championships title.