1. Power undefeated in China
Shanghai has become a happy hunting ground for Port Adelaide, with the Power notching up their second win at Jiangwan Stadium in the second annual China clash. Last year Gold Coast was embarrassed by 72 points, but it was a different story in 2018 as the Suns tried to make amends. Despite star Jack Martin pulling out before the game with a tummy bug, and no Tom Lynch (injury) and Sam Day (suspension), the Suns were really competitive in the opening half, trailing the Power by just 12 points at the main break. They lost midfielder Matt Rosa to a hamstring injury late in the second term and fought hard for most of the day, but the Suns just struggled to find avenues to goal.
SHANGHAI SLOG Full match coverage and stats
2. Battle of the big men
Gold Coast ruckman Jarrod Witts got the better of Power star Paddy Ryder. The Suns big man got under Ryder's skin, the Power ruckman giving away six free kicks as he became increasingly frustrated. Witts finished with 43 hit-outs, 12 clearances and 22 disposals, while Ryder managed 42 hit-outs, although he was clearly beaten around the ground with just six touches. After escaping suspension for touching an umpire at the Tribunal on Monday night, Suns co-captain Steven May had the tough job on Power star Robbie Gray. Fresh off a six-goal performance in last week's Showdown win over the Crows, Gray struggled to recapture his brilliance. May shut him down, restricting him to just eight disposals in the first half.
3. Sun's shining debut
Gold Coast teenager Jacob Heron made history as the first player to make his debut in China. His mum Jillian, and brother Oscar made a last-minute dash from Cairns to Shanghai to surprise Heron. And he rewarded them in the first quarter, joining an illustrious club when he kicked his first goal with his very first kick at the elite level. Heron impressed at stages with his speed and dash and finished the game with 10 disposals.
4. Will the Suns be back?
Saturday could have been Gold Coast's last game in China, with the club's involvement in the game next season not guaranteed. The Suns have now lost twice in Shanghai, and logistically the game is a tough ask for any side, let alone a young team like the Suns. While they put in a much more competitive performance this year compared to 2017, questions will still be raised over the merit of the Suns giving up a home game to make the long trek to China next year. The Victorian minister for trade was spotted sitting next to AFL boss Gillon McLachlan for the second quarter and there is no doubt, he was in his ear trying to convince the League chief to send a Victorian team to China in 2019.
5. Rain dampens Shanghai spirit
After four days of training in stifling 30 degree heat, the mercury in Shanghai dropped dramatically to 20 degrees on Saturday. The cooler conditions also brought with it plenty of rain and with humidity high at around 84 per cent, it made for tricky conditions for players and fans alike. A sell-out crowd was touted by the AFL in the lead up to the game, with around 11,500 people expected to pack out Jiangwan Stadium. Despite ponchos and umbrellas brightening up the stands, the stadium looked bare at times with many patrons huddling inside the hospitality tent for shelter and beer. Fans braved the conditions though with McLachlan and Port Adelaide Chairman David Koch sharing an umbrella at one point during the game. The final crowd number 10,689, a slight increase on last year's figure of 10,118.
