By Chris McAsey

The number of passionate and committed local AFL players continues to grow throughout Asia. We profile a few who are pumped about representing their country in Aussie Rules at the Asian Championships in Thailand.

Luke Tsz Lok Colbran –  Hong Kong Dragons

‘I want to show that local players can have an impact’

Luke started playing AFL through the U16 Auskick program in Hong Kong. In 2023 he shared a special international debut at the Championships with his dad Craig.

Who taught you the skills and rules of AFL?

Growing up Dad taught me how to kick a footy at our local soccer pitch. But I only joined the footy club when I was 14. Learning the rules happened over time with games and training as well as watching more footy.

Did you find the skills difficult to learn?

Picking up the game was hard, as I’d never watched or played AFL before. But everyone was encouraging and helpful both at U16 and Men’s level.

My second Auskick season was disrupted by Covid and the natural progression was to play up in the men’s. I felt like a headless chook running around in my first season, but I was never discouraged by any of the guys. This was big in me staying with the sport and the club, as I was just 15.

What do you like most about playing footy?

When I first started playing footy, I didn’t know anyone’s name, I couldn’t kick more than 20 meters and none of my schoolmates were at the club. So the environment felt very foreign. But now being in my fourth year I love it – not only the sport but the people in the club.

I was born and raised in Hong Kong, adopted by two Aussies who moved here for work. Growing up, especially in my middle teen years I shied away from my Chinese heritage. But since joining the club I have been taught by our local players to embrace it and be proud of it. So much so that I’m currently re-learning Cantonese.

Joining the club and getting involved in coaching the women’s program has also given me the confidence to pursue leadership opportunities at school, such as being a house captain and an ambassador for my cohort in our final year of school. Footy has been so big for me off-field.

On field I love the fitness aspect, I feel like no other sport makes you as well-rounded physically. Footy keeps you very fit.

It’s a game for all, no matter how you are built. And that’s why I love it – in any other sport I wouldn’t be competing, let alone holding my own against grown men.

What’s the biggest highlight you’ve had playing footy?

My favourite footy memory was playing in the 2024 Plaivin AFL China Cup. Traditionally most AFL games in Asia are dominated by expats. But at the China Cup the majority of the players were local. It was so amazing to see the love of the game within the Chinese players and their fitness and skills were exceptional.

I felt it was the hardest footy I have ever played and to be awarded Best Young Player was so special to me and my family, and to the club. Everyone got around me which was also pretty special.

My most exciting moment was sharing my international debut with my dad against the Vietnam Swans back in 2023.

What’s the best thing about representing Hong Kong at the Champs?

Representing Hong Kong is special to me, and I want to make the club proud. I want to show that local players can have an impact and set an example for others who may be hesitant in themselves.

Having local players to look up to was big in my development and enjoyment of the sport. At Champs last year a bunch of local players from other teams came up to me to take a photo, they were so stoked that I was another local player. That was a first, but it was funny and now a favourite memory. Can’t wait to get back and see them all again.

Have you ever been to a live AFL match in Australia?

I have been to a few AFL matches. I love the atmosphere, there’s nothing quite like it.

Do you have any favourite AFL or AFLW players?

My favourite player is Jake Waterman from the West Coast Eagles. Apart from the skullet, he stuck with the team through the highs and lows which is something I admire.

What position or role do you play in your team?

I play half forward/mid for Hong Kong.

Are you also on track to play in the first Asia Cup in Ho Chi Minh in December?

If we have a team for Asia Cup I would love to represent and play!