By Chris McAsey
Hong Kong, China went to the first AFL Asia Cup last December with high hopes for strong performances from its home grown talent, many of whom came through the local Auskick junior program.
Ultimately, Hong Kong, China missed making the semi-final round on percentage, but they will take a lot of heart from the performances of their young squad in Ho Chi Minh.
They led at three-quarter time in their opening match against cross-border rivals China, but were overrun by a more experienced Chinese team in the last quarter.
Hong Kong didn’t have much time to analyse what went wrong, backing up two hours later against a talented Indonesian team and going down by 59 points.
After two disappointing losses on Day 1 of the Asia Cup, it would have been easy to lose focus and any hope of making finals.
Instead, Hong Kong showed truckloads of character to fight back with a big win over Vietnam, before taking down the in-form India on Day 2.

Hong Kong, China vice-captain Ernest Choy breaks away against India.
The win against India was a team-defining moment for the young Hong Kong team. Ahead by a single point at three-quarter time, it shaped as a repeat of the fadeout against China. But in big moments in the last quarter, it was their youth and dare that got them over the line.
First, dashing defender Ernest Choy snuck forward to kick a difficult set shot for Hong Kong, before a brilliant goal from the boundary by mobile ruckman Hamish Hulme gave them some breathing space.
Hong Kong went on to win by 11 points and while it wasn’t enough to qualify for finals, the steely win will instil belief for the future.
After the win, talented midfielder / ruckman Hamish Hulme said the Hong Kong squad had limited opportunities to play as a team in the tournament lead-up.
‘Yesterday was the first time the whole squad played together as a team,’ he said.
‘It was a pretty tough day yesterday, but we all came together today.’
Hamish grew up in Hong Kong and came through the local Auskick junior program, before studying at university in Australia. His clearance work with fellow gun midfielder Luke Colbran was impressive and their connection got better as the tournament went on.

Hong Kong, China’s Luke Colbran takes a strong mark.
‘I only met Luke when I came back from uni,’ he said. ‘We’ve been working really well together. He’s really smart and great to work with.’
Playing in the ruck was a new experience for Hamish but his leap and follow-up work at ground level was exceptional.
‘I played forward when I was in Australia. Rucking is a bit different, but still good fun!’