Shanghai: The AFL's pre-match program ahead of the first clash for premiership points in China didn't quite go to plan when the Port Adelaide theme song was briefly played instead of the Australian national anthem.
The Power have been the driving force of the clash in Shanghai but eyebrows were raised when their theme song was heard as players and umpires took their position for the Australian and Chinese national anthems at Jiangwan Sports Centre.
A Power spokesman said a ground operator had accidentally pressed the wrong button.
The mistake was quickly rectified and the Australian national anthem turned on.
AFL chairman Richard Goyder, chief executive Gillon McLachlan, operations boss Simon Lethlean and clubs boss Travis Auld were in attendance on Sunday. So, too, was Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart, who is poised to sign a major live-cattle export deal with China.
Gold Coast Sun Michael Barlow ensured his future as the answer to a trivia question by booting the first goal – confirmed only after a score review.