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."