ANZ Park is located on Chhroy Changvar peninsular. Having crossed the Chrouy Changvar (Japanese Bridge), look for the turning on the right 50 metres after the Sokimex service station.

After crushing cross-border rivals Vietnam Swans, local Australian Rules Football team the Cambodian Eagles return to ANZ Park this weekend to take on the Malaysian Warriors.

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The Warriors are somewhat of an unknown entity to the Eagles, and Saturday’s match at 2pm will be the first time the two Asian footy heavyweights have battled it out, with the home side looking to taking the game to the visitors.  

The Eagles are once again led by captain and defender Allan Soutaris, who is stronger and fitter than ever after overcoming hamstring problems towards the end of the 2011.

“I was really happy the boys went about it last time, we competed hard and were able to run over the top of the Vietnam,” said Soutaris, whilst promising to do the same against their Malaysia opponents this weekend.

It is expected that the Eagles will adopt a similar game plan on the wide expanses of ANZ Park, kick to the outside of the ground, play along the flanks and if in doubt kick it to playmaker Grant ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald.

Coach David Murphy said: “There’s no doubt Fitzy is one of our best players, but we expect an even contribution from all the boys.”

The Eagles will be without stars Steve Morrish, Steven Higgins and goal sneak David Boyle.

Simon Whitney will move into the midfield after an inspirational performance against Vietnam, and is mostly likely to play on gritty Warriors midfielder Adam Kaminski.

Kaminski, meanwhile, is confident his team can push together and clip the wings of the Eagles.

“Marcus Coons and James Wartorp are in top form and the team has been training hard for this game,” he said. However, ex-Saints ruckman Michael Rix will miss the game due to a knee injury.

Coach Murphy agreed Kaminski was one to watch, and was not fussed about the rumours of ex-AFL player Trent Croad playing up forward for the Warriors.

“We just have to worry about the things we can control. If Croady plays, then we will find a match up for him.”

There was a wonderful atmosphere at the last Vietnam game with free entry, cold beers, drinks, BBQ and plenty of shade and seating available.

Contributed by Rory Hunter