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Tonight, the Gabba will host the Round 18 clash between the Brisbane Lions and the Melbourne Demons. But it will also be a preview of what China can expect on October 17 when the two clubs meet again at the Jiangwan Sports Centre, for the Shanghai Showdown.
One of the main events of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the Shanghai Showdown – officially known as the Kaspersky AFL Cup – will be the first AFL exhibition match held in China.
In celebration of this historic event, the Brisbane Lions have been drumming up interest for tomorrow night’s preview match at the Gabba.
At the University of Queensland earlier this week, Lions midfielders Justin Sherman and Michael Rischitelli were teaching the fundamental skills of AFL in a free clinic for international students.
Though their finals hopes have been dashed, Rischitelli says he’s looking forward to what the future holds.
“It’s all over, but now we’re just looking to build from here, into next season.”
He’s certain that not only will they perform against the Demons, but they’ll also finish the season on a high, against the Sydney Swans in Round 22.
“Oh yeah, we’re going to smash ‘em too!”
At the clinic, Auskick official Ellie, a former AFL player herself, was walking some international students through the rules of the game, and the all important drop punt. She says there’s plenty to look forward to at the Melbourne vs Brisbane clash on Saturday night.
“It’s all about promoting the game overseas, especially in China.”
But the match is sure to be something special for all AFL fans.
A Chinese theme will see a number of exciting activities taking place throughout the night. Chinese students will receive a ‘Welcome Pack’ and free Sherrins to kick on the field after the match.
Pre-game activities will include a handballing clinic and from a stall laced with Chinese lanterns, Chinese ambassadors of the game will explain the rules to new-comers. There will be plenty of entertainment on offer too, with Chinese lion dancers and Shaolin Kung Fu Guan performers (Shaolin Warrior Monks) entertaining the crowd.
And Chinese students will be personally greeted in the stands by Lions mascot Bernie ‘Gabba’ Vegas.
The aim of tonight’s game is to give Chinese people a better understanding of Aussie Rules, in the hope that they will take up the sport and share their positive experience with others, ahead of the Shanghai Showdown in October, which will once again showcase the Brisbane Lions and Melbourne Demons.
If it’s anything like what we can expect tonight at the Gabba, there will be few left disappointed in the 30,000 capacity Jiangwan Sports Centre.
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