03/05/2026
The seeds of Australian rules football were planted in Southeast Asia a generation ago when expats set up clubs across the region.
While Aussies kick-started footy in countries like Cambodia, it was curious and keen locals who have kept interest alive.
Now, one of Cambodia’s top women players, Sreytouch Rith, hailed as a goalkicking legend for the Cambodia Eagles in Phnom Penh, has made the trip in the opposite direction and recently made her debut for Narooma Lions in the AFL’s Sapphire Coast women’s competition in southern New South Wales on Australia's east coast.
Rith lined up on the forward flank in her first game and was named in the Lions' best players.
📺Don’t miss a second of the drama. From the first bounce to the final siren, ABC Australia will bring you all the marks, goals, tackles and action – with live coverage of AFL games every weekend across Asia and the Pacific. Head to ABC Asia for viewing times in your region.