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Agence France-Presse

The Gold Coast Suns and Port Adelaide will face off in Shanghai for a second time next year as Australia’s biggest spectator sport renews its push to win fans in China.
Aussie Rules – similar to Gaelic football but played with an oval ball – held its first competitive fixture in the country this year, and has decided to go back for more.
“The Australian Football League and both clubs received great support in taking a match to China in 2017,” said AFL general manager of clubs Travis Auld.
“And we’re committed to growing the sporting relationship with Australia’s biggest trading nation.”
This year’s regular-season clash attracted more than 10,000 supporters and millions more watched on TV.
“It was a great spectacle for our game,” said Auld.

Port and the Suns will play on May 19 at Jiangwan Stadium – re-christened Adelaide Arena following an agreement with the South Australian state government.
Power chief executive Keith Thomas was delighted with the confirmation of the second game, which will be part of round nine of the AFL’s 2018 season.
“Like any new venture, you need to nurture it, you need to feed it and love it so it can continue to grow,” he said.
“One of our key responsibilities is to ensure the Shanghai experience is a benchmark that other AFL clubs can look at and be inspired to follow us to China.
“We think the future of the game is growing the game in China.”
Last year’s clash was billed as the first time a major Western sports league has held a full-season fixture in China.
Other competitions like American Football’s NFL, and ice hockey’s NHL, are also working to establish a fan base in the huge China market.


Aussie Rules back in Shanghai as Port Adelaide and Gold Coast Suns announce second game

Australian Rules

Steven May and Tom Lynch of the Suns (left) pose with Travis Boak and Chen Shaoliang of the Power during a press conference ahead of their first Australian Rules game in Shanghai earlier this year. Photo: Michael Willson / AFL Media

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MAY 11: Travis Boak of the Power looks on during the Port Adelaide Power training session at Jiangwan Stadium on May 11, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

Shanghai Aussie Rules game only the beginning as AFL’s Port Adelaide leave NBA, NFL in their wake

Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade and Port Adelaide boss Ken Hinkley address the media in Shanghai with The Bund in the background. Photo: AFL Media

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MAY 11: Justin Westhoff of the Power in action during the Port Adelaide Power training session at Jiangwan Stadium on May 11, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MAY 11: (L-R) Steven May of the Suns, Tom Lynch of the Suns, Travis Boak of the Power and Chen Shaoliang of the Power pose for a photograph during the Port Adelaide Power and Gold Coast Suns joint Captain and Coach press conference at Bar Rouge overlooking The Bund on May 11, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

Andrew Hunter

Business ties ensure Aussie Rules is in China to stay, but how do Port Adelaide make it about more than money?

Port Adelaide’s Charlie Dixon celebrates a goal as AFL makes it official debut in China. Photos: AFL Media

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MAY 14: Fans look on during the 2017 AFL round 08 match between the Gold Coast Suns and Port Adelaide Power at Jiangwan Sports Stadium on May 14, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MAY 14: Jack Hombsch of the Power kicks the ball clear of Gary Ablett of the Suns during the 2017 AFL round 08 match between the Gold Coast Suns and Port Adelaide Power at Jiangwan Sports Stadium on May 14, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MAY 14: A general view during the 2017 AFL round 08 match between the Gold Coast Suns and Port Adelaide Power at Jiangwan Sports Stadium on May 14, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

Sport

China

Other Sport

The two teams will meet again on May 19 at Jiangwan Stadium as Australian Football League looks to continue growing in China
