It’s a city with a land size smaller than Geelong, but it had a profound impact on the Essendon Football Club.

It was the spring of 1964 and the Bombers were licking their wounds following a 19-point loss to the Cats in the semi-final. 

The club wanted to return to the premiership glory of 1962 so Coach John Coleman hatched a plan to head overseas to Hong Kong to build the camaraderie.

“In our days we only trained Tuesday, Thursday then turn up at 1:30pm for the game,” former player Hugh Mitchell said. 

“By going on that trip, we formed a very close bond.”

For a fortnight, a group of 48 Essendon people enjoyed the colour of Hong Kong as well as nearby cities Manila and Bangkok.

“Living together you got to know the blokes better, the confidence grew and it just overflowed to the following year,” Mitchell said.

This was no Boulder style training camp where players build their strength and endurance.

The focus of this trip was the social side. 

“That trip in 64’ was built around a wonderful feeling that we were all together,” former player Greg Brown said.

“Not just the team, but the officials with us and some of the key supporters and backers of the club.” 

They returned from their Asian adventure united and determined.

“For most of us, our biggest trip would have been to Tasmania.  Then to go to that part of the world for a fortnight was a wonderful thing.  It’s made a difference to many of us,” Brown said.

From the sun filled spring days in Hong Kong to the wind swept Saturdays in Melbourne, Essendon were a team on a mission in 1965.

“I always say that trip contributed to our success in 65’,” Mitchell said. 

“I honestly believe Coleman’s idea had a big bearing on the result.”