- Help us reach 60,000 for the third year in a row - join the club today
- Get your tickets to Port Adelaide v Hawthorn
This story originally appeared on afl.com.au
PORT Adelaide is confident its players will be able to handle the challenging conditions during its historic game in China against Gold Coast on Sunday.
A small contingent of Power players will fly out of Adelaide on Tuesday night, with the remainder to leave on Wednesday in time for a training session on Thursday.
Temperatures are expected to be in the low 30s on Wednesday and Thursday in Shanghai before cooling down to 27 on game day, but the biggest worry is the air quality.
"There's a meeting going on right now about all the information the players need about their travel and getting used to conditions and sleep when they get over there," Power development coach Aaron Greaves said.
"There are no concerns from us around (the air quality).
"We think our players are well prepared to deal with the situations put in front of them.
"We'll leave the physical assessments to our fitness team and pick the best side available."
The Power will take 25 players to China, but have left the door open to fly additional players over on Thursday.
Karl Amon, Aidyn Johnson and Logan Austin – the Power's three emergencies for last Saturday's 10-point loss to West Coast at Adelaide Oval – played for Port Adelaide's SANFL side in a 60-point victory against Sturt on Sunday.
That gives them one less day to prepare for the Power's long-haul trip to Shanghai, via Melbourne and Hong Kong.
"With the Magpies playing Sunday, we had to have a few discussions before the game yesterday to see how they play and how they got through," Greaves said.
"The players had screenings this morning.
"We will then finalise the squad to take over and make the final decision on the team on Thursday."
The Power will fly back to Australia on Monday night, returning in Adelaide early Tuesday morning.
However, players have the option to stay in Asia or holiday elsewhere before reporting back to the club on Friday, May 19.
The Power have the bye in round nine and their next game is against Geelong on Thursday, May 25.
"Players have family going over with them so
there will be a few different options there, whether they want to stay on or travel somewhere close," Greaves said.
The Power bought a home game from the Suns for $500,000 because they are contractually obligated to play 11 games per season at Adelaide Oval.
