The AFL has confirmed that the annual Shanghai match will return, and is set to be featured in round 11 of the 2020 AFL season.
The game is set to take place between Port Adelaide and St Kilda, and like the last three matches, will take place at Jiangwan Stadium in Shanghai's Yangpu District.
AFL GM of China, David Stevenson, says the decision to return to China is based on the AFL's long-term commitment to building partnerships there.
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“After a successful first three years of the Shanghai match, the AFL is thrilled to continue this tradition which will see St Kilda and Port Adelaide travel to China in May,” Mr Stevenson said.
“More than a game, the AFL’s increased presence in China including an office opened earlier this year, extends beyond the match day, with Festival of Australia in partnership with the Australian government in the lead up the game.’
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to give the local AFL fans a match in their home town, encourage Australian-based football fans to travel to China and continue to introduce footy to a new set of fans.”
Earlier in the year, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan spoke to AFL.com.au about the partnership with China, and says it's starting to pay off.
"The long-term vision is to have a real relationship with China. The exact form of that is fluid but this game is a big commitment," McLachlan said.
"In doing it, I think we're showing the more than one million Australians of Chinese descent that we want to have a relationship with them.
"It's also a logistical and financial commitment that says we see opportunities partnering with Chinese companies who want to do business with Australia, and we want to have commercial and trade relationships.
The announcement is a precursor to the complete 2020 AFL fixture, which is set to be released in October.
The Shanghai game this year was a good one for Port Adelaide, as they ran out 70-point winners against the hapless Saints.
Port skipper, Travis Boak, will be looking forward to a return, given he had 33 disposals and kicked two goals in this year's match.