Victory will play a prestige fixture against the Asian Cup bound Chinese national team in Hong Kong next Wednesday (July 4).

The Aussie champions' Asian tour will also feature the Lord Mayor’s Cup on July 7, with Victory set to face sister-city rivals Tianjin Teda, who currently sit fifth in the Chinese Super League, in China.

China will use the match against Victory to finalise their preparations for the Asian Cup, where they have been grouped alongside Malaysia, Iran and Uzbekistan based in Kuala Lumpur. China, currently ranked eight in Asia, is ranked 76 in the world.

Following Victory’s tour of Asia, the side will make their official season debut in the domestic pre-season Cup on July 15 in Launceston, Tasmania. There, it’s expected Hernandez - an attacking midfielder brought in as a replacement for Brazilian wizard Fred - will make his Australian debut at the Aurora stadium in the grand final rematch against Adelaide United.

“Going to China is a big part of our preparation,” Victory defender Rodrigo Vargas said at today’s launch of the Mayor’s Cup in Melbourne. “It’s part of our pre-season preparation and with us being in the AFC Champions League next year it will be a good experience for us to know what we’re getting into.
Club chairman Geoff Lord also viewed the trip as an important part of spreading the brand of Victory and Melbourne across the region.

“Not only do we see this as a significant step up for Melbourne Victory and the Hyundai A-League sides in Australia, but we also think it’s a wonderful trade mission where we can sell the Melbourne city story in businesses and the community. Overall we consider it to be a great privilege to be representing the city.

Melbourne Lord Mayor John So was upbeat ahead of the trip. “The Mayors’ Cup is a challenge between the friendship of the two cities based on sport and I wish Melbourne Victory every success in China and the best of the luck. Bring back the trophy!” he said