SUMMARY
The Suns and Power will create history when they become the first teams to play for premiership points outside Australia or New Zealand. But aside from the historic nature of the contest, the game also has big early-season ramifications for both clubs. Gold Coast is fresh off a convincing 25-point win over Geelong to get its season back on track and can square their ledger at 4-4 with a win over the Power. The return of co-captain Steven May and midfield dynamo David Swallow was huge against the Cats, as the Suns got contributions from all players. Port Adelaide had a slip-up against West Coast, bringing them back to a 4-3 win-loss record, and desperately need a win to re-establish themselves as finals contenders. There are mouth-watering contests all over the ground led by influential ruckmen Jarrod Witts and Paddy Ryder. This should be a tight contest, with the winner no doubt being able to enjoy their bye the following week.
WHERE AND WHEN: Jiangwan Sports Stadium (Shanghai), Sunday, May 13, 1.15pm (local time)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2016, Port Adelaide 13.11 (89) d Gold Coast 9.12 (66) at Metricon Stadium
R22, 2015, Port Adelaide 12.16 (88) d Gold Coast 7.9 (51) at Metricon Stadium
R21, 2014, Port Adelaide 7.14 (56) d Gold Coast 7.5 (47) at Metricon Stadium
R21, 2013, Port Adelaide 16.17 (113) d Gold Coast 14.12 (96) at AAMI Stadium
R4, 2013, Port Adelaide 16.8 (104) d Gold Coast 9.12 (66) at Metricon Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. In wet conditions on the Gold Coast, the Power were too strong for the Suns the last time the teams played. Robbie Gray starred, pickinging up three Brownlow Medal votes thanks to 34 disposals and four goals.
2. Port Adelaide has taken the ball inside 50 more than any other team in 2017, averaging 62.9 a game, but Gold Coast isn’t far behind, ranked third with 57.4 a game. The Power is second for marks inside 50.
3. The clubs meet for the eighth time with the Power holding a six wins to one advantage. Gold Coast's only victory was the first in club history, in round five, 2011.
4. The Suns continue to be the highest disposal team in 2017, averaging 416.1 a game, a long way ahead of the Power, ranked 13th with 378.3 a game.
5. This is the first premiership season match to be played in China. Previously there have been three games played outside of Australia, all in Wellington, New Zealand.
6. Aaron Hall has been in excellent form so far in 2017, with his 32 disposals and one goal against Geelong vaulting him to a career-high 41st overall in the AFL's Official Player Ratings. Hall started the season ranked 96th.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Charlie Dixon
The Power forward has been in excellent form this season but would love to go up a gear when playing his former club. He could see any number of defenders thrown his way, but with Steven May back controlling the defensive 50, the Suns are a different proposition.
PREDICTION: Gold Coast by eight points.
