WHEN Chen Shaoliang arrived from China at Port Adelaide on an international scholarship in March, it marked an extraordinary achievement for someone who only picked up the game in 2012.

Unfortunately, a tackle gone wrong at training caused the ACL in Shaoliang’s right knee to rupture, putting one of the more unique AFL stories on hold.

The 23-year-old was set to develop his football through the Magpies in the SANFL, until the unfortunate incident.

The high-leaping former basketball player was philosophical about the setback.

"It was unfortunate, but that's footy," Shaoliang said.

"I got tackled when trying to pick up the ball, just under my knee. It was really painful at that moment but a few minutes later, I felt not so bad."

The irony of the situation is although he has learned to enjoy tackling, it wasn't something he took to initially.

"The first few times, I didn't like tackling. I felt uncomfortable because I wasn't good at body contact," he said.

"We don't like have much body contact in sport (in China), but after a few training sessions, I felt I liked it."

"You can show your aggression and play harder."

Shaoliang first learned about the sport when the AFL went to China four years ago, looking for two athletes who could possibly make the transition to the sport.

The 184cm forward was introduced to football at a training camp for elite athletes. When Shaoliang turned up at camp, he was under the impression he would be playing soccer.

"We change the word in English, but in Mandarin, soccer and football are similar words," he said.

Becoming accustomed to the oval-shaped ball has proven to be the most difficult part of the sport for Shaoliang, who is studying English at the University of South Australia.

"You cannot control the ball so well, so if you want to kick the ball to the left, sometimes it will go to the right," he said.

Despite the early difficulties, his positive attitude looks like it will hold him in good stead.

"Teamwork is the most important thing," said Shaoliang, who continues to rehabilitate while fully immersed in the Power’s football program.

The recruitment of Shaoliang is part of the Power’s broader expansion into China, which includes developing business networks, attracting sponsors, having the game broadcast into the country (which they did against Essendon earlier this year), and a plan to play a home and away game there next year.