Melbourne and Brisbane will play an AFL exhibition game in Shanghai next year, the first professional Australian Rules match to be played in China.

The Demons and Lions will meet at the Jiangwan Sports Centre in Shanghai on October 17 next year, the AFL announced on Saturday.

AFL general manager national and international development David Matthews said the match was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Australian football and follows a visit to Shanghai in June by AFL legend and recently appointed coach of Team GWS, Kevin Sheedy.

"We are extremely excited to be able to bring Australia's indigenous game and all its unique skills to Shanghai as we continue to develop the code internationally," he said.

The stadium at the Jiangwan Sports Centre in Yangpu District has a capacity of up to 30,000 spectators and it's hoped two local university teams will participate in a curtain raiser to the match.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP