In pictures: Australian rules football arrives in China

Two top-tier Australian rules football teams have played a match in China for the first time.

About 10,000 fans watched Port Adelaide Power beat Gold Coast Suns 110-38 in the Australian Football League (AFL) game at Shanghai's Jiangwan Stadium.

About 4,000 Chinese spectators joined thousands of Australians who had travelled to see the historic match.

The game was televised in both countries, with AFL organisers hopeful of growing the sport.

The game is virtually unknown in China.

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan said he hoped the match would become a permanent feature of the season.

Coaches from both teams said they would be happy to return.

The Chinese and Australian national anthems were played before the match commenced.

Unlike typical AFL matches, fans were not allowed to drink beer in the stands due to security concerns.

Although one-sided, the match featured some of the AFL's top athletes, including perhaps its best player, Gary Ablett (left).

It involved a A$3m (£1.7m, $2.2m) sponsorship deal between Port Adelaide and a Chinese real estate magnate.

"Everyone sees the opportunity in China and they certainly see it clearer today," Mr McLachlan said.

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