Port Adelaide signed a memorandum of agreement on Thursday with the Power, together with the Australian Football League detailing their deal to play a premiership-season game in 2017 in Shanghai. It was also stipulated in the memorandum that Port Adelaide will course through schools and Auskick programs in China.

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The club's chief executive Keith Thomas said they will be doing everything possible to be able to play for premiere points in Shanghai as early as possible. AFL also said that they would not be giving Hiup their home game at the Adelaide Oval in their attempt to secure a game.

Thomas also revealed that Port Adelaide has entered a partnership with Chinese Central TV (CCTV). According to their partnership, CCTV will be broadcasting three Port Adelaide games in China and a 25-week documentary series. Thomas explained that their partnership with CCTV was more than just about entertainment. He elaborated that it was about public awareness because the AFL programs in CCTV will allow the viewers to learn more of Australia and its culture, which will subsequently allow the Chinese viewers to get to know the Australian persona.

Gillon McLachlan, AFL's chief executive, who was present during the announcement, said that the league settled an agreement with another team, but refused to divulge the team's name.

 Even though the AFL is yet to determine the venue for the game, the upcoming match has already won the support of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and AFL chief Gillon McLachlan. Prime Minister Turnbull told reporters that he is excited about the upcoming Port game in Shanghai, adding that the upcoming premiere match will enable China to improve its football code.

Prime Minister Turnbull disclosed his passion for sports as an amateur rugby player. He also revealed that the AFL has the most exciting football code.

TagsPort adelaide, Sports, China sports, AFL