After inking the deal at the start of 2020, the 25-year-old defender from Sutherland Shire in Sydney’s south believes the next three years will help him develop.

Perhaps enough to earn a dream shot with the Thai national team. 

And maybe also a chance down the track to come ‘home’ and play in the A-League after leaving the country he was born in with his Thai mother eight years ago. 

“I feel like an Aussie more than Thai," he told FTBL from his base in Buriram, around four hours drive from Bangkok. "I grew up in Australia but I have a Thai passport too.

"So here I'm considered a local player but I'm not fluent in Thai, so I converse more with the foreigners in my team. 

"I think about the A-League a lot. I’d definitely one day like to come back." 

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However, he’ll have to wait till September before action returns in the Thai top flight following the COVID-19 restrictions (four rounds had been played before the restrictions kicked in). 

After arriving in Thailand as a 17-year-old, untimely injuries have stymied Creevey's progress over the last five years, particularly after the Thai U-19s scouted him soon after he arrived in the country.

An untimely injury following by a hernia complaint scuppered his hopes of Thai youth representation. 

But the powerful defender is relishing his time at the Changi Arena and the big challenge ahead. 

With two Thai national team defenders and a foreign spot to be filled in defence it won’t be easy to break into the Buriram starting XI.

But that’s all part of the lure of playing for such a big club, Creevey says. 

"The game's definitely grown here. You see Thai players in the J-League now," he says. 

"But we do have a bit of a way to go. But with the foreign coaching in the national set up [Japanese manager it definitely helps." 

He's not the only Aussie connection at the Thai outfit. 

Former Perth Glory assistant coach Andy Ord heads the technical development at Buriram. 

“It’s nice to have a fellow Aussie to chat with and to cross paths with him again.

"I know him from when I first moved to Bangkok, I was recommended to him when he was coaching at Muangthong United B side,” Creevey says. 

Buriram’s Asian Champions League exploits in recent years have mirrored the rise of Thailand as a south-east Asian and regional power over the last decade. 

In the ACL, the Thunder Castles defeated powerhouses Jeonbuk Motors and Cerezo Osaka in the group stage, putting Thai football firmly on the map. 

And after a youth development deal was signed with Borussia Dortmund in 2018, Buriram is heading in the right direction. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL BURIRAM UNITED SITE

Socceroos fans will recall the Thai national team giving Ange Postecoglou’s men a scare on the Road to Russia 2018. 

“Jay Messi" from the J-League a shining example of Thailand’s new confidence and quality. 

“Thailand has stepped it up on the international stage.

"I remember going to the Rajamangala Stadium to see that World Cup qualifier with the Socceroos (Australia escaping with a 2-2 draw). Ange kept the players on the pitch after the game - he wasn’t happy.

“It’d be a dream to face the Socceroos playing for Thailand,” he says, even though he admits feeling more Aussie than Thai. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL BORNEO CUP SITE

Creevey may be a familiar face to long-time FTBL readers. 

We first caught up with the central defender 10 years ago, in Kota Kinabalu at Malaysia's Borneo Cup.

A boutique junior and youth development tournament for teams across Asia run by former Socceroo Scott Ollerenshaw. 

SEE FTBL'S FIRST MEETING WITH MAXX IN 2010

Since then, Creevey has made Thailand his home and football his career.

He joined Buriram’s academy in 2014 so his new contract is a homecoming of sorts. 

Sounds a great life, eh?

Not exactly: the lower reaches of Thai football can be hugely challenging. 

Creevey played for a series of lower-level clubs before his Buriram senior deal.  

Poor facilities, financial issues, and low-quality medical back up took its toll. 

"I had to go back to Sydney to get my treatment done," he said of one particular injury. 

“If I look back, the lowlights were definitely when I was thinking of throwing in the towel last year after playing for some of those clubs.” 

So disillusioned he left the country for around six months, lived with a mate in Amsterdam, and played amateur football in the Dutch capital while working in a juice bar during the day. 

"Just to clear my head and try something different," he said. 

However, it seemed to reignite his football passion. 

He added: "I do follow the A-League quite a bit. So one day I'd like to come back."