The clubs will play for the Kaspersky Cup in what’s been dubbed the AFL Shanghai Showdown at the Jiangwan Stadium in Shanghai’s Yangpu District.
Speaking at the official welcome in Shanghai, Fitzpatrick said the AFL was excited to showcase Australian football on the world stage.
"Our game is 150 years old but this Sunday we will play our first ever match here in Shanghai," he said. "To quote an old Chinese proverb: 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step'. Tomorrow we take that step."
Melbourne and Lions players both trained today at the stadium before tomorrow’s match which will be broadcast live in Mandarin and English to an estimated 30 million people in the Shanghai region on International Channel Shanghai and Great Sports Channel.
The clubs have also participated in a number of clinics at primary schools in Shanghai this week and took part in an AFL combine at the Shanghai Sports University which was also attended by AFL commissioners.
About 30 emerging young Chinese athletes participated in the combine which tested their agility and speed as well as their football skills in a session run by Melbourne football manager Chris Connolly.
Afterwards Fitzpatrick thanked the Chinese players for embracing AFL and helped present each athlete with their own football.
"To our teams, Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions, you have not only made history with your presence here in China but you have also embarked on an important cultural journey," he said.
"I am sure this will be a memorable football experience but also something which enriches us all and gives us a greater understanding and appreciation of this fascinating country."
