West Coast’s relationship with Cambodia continues to develop with the steady growth of the nation’s Australian football team, the Cambodian Eagles.

The start of their football season has mirrored that of its Australian counterparts, with an opening round win against the Vietnam Swans, followed by a second victory against the Malaysian Warriors.

Coach Dave Murphy said he was pleased with his team’s start to the 2012 campaign.

“We trained hard in the off-season and the results are definitely paying off,” Murphy said.

“We’re two from two and hoping to make it three in a row when we face off against Thailand on April 21.”
 
A former Buchan Football Club champion in Gippsland, regional Victoria, Murphy is one of many expats contributing to the growth of our indigenous game overseas.

The triple-premiership player, best and fairest winner and Buchan Cavemen club captain has relished the opportunity to continue playing overseas and says Australian football has come a long way in Cambodia during his three-year tenure in the country.

“An increasing number of visitors and expats has definitely helped in the recruitment of more players and increase in spectatorship,” Murphy said.

“The club has grown quickly in my short time here and we are being well supported by the West Coast Eagles, as well as a number of local businesses.”

According to Murphy, the club provides a great social outlet for those interested in Australian football, but it has also taken an active role in trying to build interest in the game for local youth.

“The games are fun and quite social but everyone is trying to win and I guess you could probably draw a few parallels with the ODFL in that regard,” Murphy said.

“The long-term aim of the club is to promote our great game to more young Cambodians and get them actively involved in the sport.

“We’re already looking at implementing a junior program similar to Auskick so that local youth can learn the game from an early age.”

For further information, visit cambodianeagles.com or search "Cambodian Eagles Football Club" on Facebook.