Suns aim to flex their AFL muscle in China

May 12, 2017 - 9:19 AM Gold Coast's seven-year AFL history contains few big-game highlights - no finals, no Friday night blockbusters.

So Sunday's historic Shanghai match against Port Adelaide is a chance to make a mark.

The first AFL match for premiership points outside Australia and New Zealand comes a week after the Suns claimed Geelong as a big scalp.

It leaves their season evenly poised at 3-4, a game behind Port, and midfielder Touk Miller says they are keenly aware of Sunday's potential.

"It's a way to probably boost our muscle a little bit and show the world that we're on the map," Miller said.

"The result is the main thing we came here for, but in terms of the club and its exposure to the world, it's fantastic."

For all the talk about potential problems and their two-hour delay in Singapore, Miller says the Suns have loved Shanghai.

He ads there is a definite sense of excitement among the players about the match.

"The boys have got their heads around the fact that if there is (a challenge), you have to keep going, push through it - it's just another challenge," he said.

"Everyone's excited, it's become more of an occasion leading i nto the game since we've gotten here."

Miller's mum Ruth, a regular at Gold Coast games, has made the trip - with Mother's Day on Sunday.

"Coming to China really says it all," Miller said of his mum's commitment.

One big plus is the quality of the playing surface at Jiangwan Stadium.

While the ground is a makeshift AFL venue - it usually contains several soccer pitches - players are raving about the oval.

"The surface is unreal - the venue is probably a little bit different, considering it's an open stadium," Miller said.

"Obviously there are a few grandstands they've put in, but the surface, I cannot complain - it's as good as it gets.

"It's a bit like Etihad, in terms of how hard it underneath, but the quality of the grass is unbelievable.

"It's almost like Launceston, really flat as well."

Miller says a focus for the Suns ahead of the Shanghai match is becoming more consistent, with their form so far this season fluctuating wildly.

"We found a bit of form against Geelong, (but) it's been a bit inconsistent in terms of the way we've played," he said.

"We have to shake that, we have to play consistent footy."

Source: AAP