“We actually played on Christmas Day!” he told FTBL fresh from scoring in a 3-0 win for Tai Po against Hoi King on Sunday night.

“It was pretty strange. I’d have to say, getting up that morning in my apartment and not celebrating but preparing to play a cup semi final was pretty weird.

"It was the first time I’d played on Christmas Day. And surprisingly there were a few people there watching,” he said with a laugh.

“I wasn’t expecting many fans. I’m not really sure why we played on Christmas Day. I guess it’s a different culture.

“And in the AFC Cup we’re set to face a team from either Mongolia or North Korea  [either Ryomyong SC from PRK or Erchim FC from Mongolia].

"That’ll be some trip away if it’s North Korea. I have heard teams playing there before have had their video analysis equipment confiscated. Who knows if that’s actually true…

“It’s all part of the adventure in Asia, I guess.”

 

The 22-year-old (who celebrated his birthday on New Year's Eve), 195cm striker stands out in Asia. 

The Brisbane lad has scored seven goals in 10 games this season, mostly with his head.

“It’s a bit of an asset in Asia being my height. About half my goals in Hong Kong have come from my head,” he said.

And he’s playing regularly, which was all part of the plan when he left the A-League following a stint with the Jets in 2017, where he played a handful of senior games. 

Sawyer left and joined Philippines outfit Davao Aguilas. He banged in the goals there where he was coached by Aussie Gary Phillips.

“Harry was a total pro. He’ll go a long way,” Phillips told FTBL.

With new clubs in the A-League over the next two years, Sawyer's goalscoring form and charisma will surely make him a fan favourite back home. 

For the moment, though, he's thoroughly enjoying his Asian adventure. 

Sawyer grew up in the Queensland capital and would watch Roar from the stands. He forced his way into the Roar youth set up in 2016 before linking with Newcastle Jets where he played a handful of games during a turbulent time at the club.

The plan, he says, was to play regularly rather than be on the fringes back in Oz.

And after a season in the Philippines, he got the chance to play in Hong Kong on loan, where he scored on debut. Tai Po has now signed Sawyer till mid-2019. 

And it’s working out for club and player with Tai Po in fourth spot, three points off the top in the 10-team league.

Sawyer lives near the Chinese border close to Shenzhen and has just got a Chinese visa for his club’s trip to top side Guangzhou RF.

The striker trains in the morning with his club. He does his prehab prior and continues his body management after training, too.

He’s also studying online at night for a degree. He's making sure his future is bright on and off the pitch. 

“Going to Asia at a young age isn’t the normal route that a lot of young Aussie players take," he added.

"But playing regularly I’ve learned a lot and being alone over here, it’s helped me on and off the field.

“In Asia, there’s a lot of untapped potential in south-east Asia. And financial backing in some countries.

“Getting games and miles in the legs is a good thing. And I can show what I’ve got."