Port push to play AFL game in China

Port Adelaide and the AFL have signed a memorandum of understanding in a bid to play an AFL game in China next season.

a signing of the memorandum of understanding.

Port Adelaide's push to play an AFL game in China next season will be supported by the league. (AAP)

Port Adelaide have the backing of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and AFL chief Gillon McLachlan as they attempt to play a game for premiership points in China in 2017.

And they even have a mystery opponent lined up too.

The Power's Thursday announcement that they had signed a memorandum of understanding to play a premiership-season game in 2017 in Shanghai would have been greeted with far greater scepticism had it not been for the presence of the PM and the league boss at the signing ceremony.

"This is a very exciting day for a very exciting game in the most exciting place in the world," Mr Turnbull told reporters in Shanghai.

"This will further develop the AFL code in China."

There are obstacles to overcome as Port blazes a trail into China - chiefly securing an appropriate venue - but it seems generating the political will and financial backing for the venture are challenges the Power have already met.

"Today is a day that has been the culmination of a lot of hard work and to be honest, a day that many thought would never happen," Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas said from Shanghai.

"I'm incredibly proud to have a signed a memorandum of understanding on behalf of the Port Adelaide Football Club that ensures we will do everything possible to play a game for premiership points here in Shanghai as early as next season."

Significantly, the Power won't have to give up a home game in order to make their dream a reality.

McLachlan confirmed a second club, who he refused to name, had agreed to be part of the match should it go ahead.

Clubs like Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and Richmond have sold home games in the past - playing in places such as Darwin, Hobart and Cairns.

McLachlan signed the memorandum of understanding along with Thomas and a representative from Chinese property developer Shanghai Cred - who recently became a club sponsor.

"Port Adelaide, through the efforts of chairman David Koch and chief executive Keith Thomas, has done much outstanding work in the last four years to rebuild its position and profile within our competition," McLachlan said.

"The club has now taken another significant step forwards with its move into China, to further expand its supporter base and build the wider exposure of the club and our game beyond Australia.

"The AFL will work with Port Adelaide to explore all available options to take a first game for premiership points into China."


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Source: AAP



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