The 16^th AFL Asian Championships will be held in Bangkok this Saturday with record numbers set to compete in the two division format.

There will be a Swans link on the day with the Vietnam Swans to compete against Hong Kong Dragons, Jakarta Bintangs, Malaysian Warriors, Philippine Eagles and hosts the Thailand Tigers.

13 teams from across the Asian region will compete in the Championships with the Singapore Wombats looking to defend their 2014 title.

“The new format means no easy games this year”, said Vietnam Swans President and AFL Asia Vice President Grant Keys.

“The larger teams just won’t be able to rest and rotate players like they have in the past, it should really even things out.

“All seven first division teams are going to Bangkok believing they can win it.”

Former AFL player Andrew Embley will be on hand to assist with the development of local players throughout the tournament.

Embley has a strong connection to the Asian region, being of Anglo/Burmese ancestry with both his grandparents and father being born in Burma before migrating to Perth in 1964.

“I had a great time with the boys last year and I’m looking forward to coming back and seeing how much they have developed over the past year,” Embley said.

“It’s great to see so many local players now playing footy in Asia and I’m happy to do what I can to help their development”

Those that would like to learn more about AFL Asia can head to www.afl-asia.com.