Port Adelaide and the AFL sign MOU to play 2017 premiership match in China

Backed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, AFL club Port Adelaide has revealed its aim to be the key promoter of the sport in China, including the possibility of playing a first-ever premiership match there next season.

The AFL the Power and the club's new Chinese sponsor have this week signed a memorandum of understanding to play a premiership-season game in 2017 in Shanghai.

The memorandum was signed, in the presence of Prime Minister Turnbull, by the Port Adelaide Chief Executive Keith Thomas and representatives of the AFL and their Shanghai-based sponsor.

Thomas stated "we will do everything possible to play a game for premiership points here in Shanghai as early as next season.”

However, he added that the club t would not sacrifice a home game at the Adelaide Oval to secure a match in China.

Prime Minister Turnbull also revealed an unexpected passion for the sport, stating "I say this as a former mediocre rugby player - AFL is the most exciting football code. An enormous field, extraordinary athleticism, it is the leaping, jumping, flying game.”

A surprisingly well briefed Prime Minister continued "of course this Chinese involvement in AFL is far from new.

“In 1908 the first Chinese AFL player, Wally Koochew, whose father was from Huangpu south of Guangzhou, made four senior appearances for the Carlton Football Club.

"That trend continues today with players like Lin Jong, who's a talented young Australian midfielder of Chinese/Timorese descent who plays for the Western Bulldogs, and Chen Shaoliang who is training with Port Adelaide now."

Power’s agreement will also see it run school and Auskick programs in China, as well as support university programs in Guangzhou.

A partnership has also been established with television network Chinese Central TV (CCTV) to broadcast three Port Adelaide games into China, along with a 25-week documentary series.

Explaining this, Thomas added "our partnership with CCTV is more than just entertainment, it's about understanding.

"Through our regular AFL programs on CCTV the viewers in China will see more of Australia, and learn more about our culture."

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