PORT Adelaide will play a pre-season game in London in November, using the opportunity to prepare for the 2013 season and beyond.

The AFL has confirmed the Power will meet the Western Bulldogs at the KIA Oval on Saturday 3 November, returning to the ground where the club played Geelong in 2006.

Port Adelaide will enhance its preparation for next year by supplementing the London game with visits to leading clubs and facilities, including a three-day camp at the Australian Sport Commission European Training Centre in Italy, co-funded by players and staff.

The itinerary is yet to be finalised as Port Adelaide maintains its focus on the current season, but the trip is expected to begin soon after players begin returning to begin pre-season.

Port Adelaide chief executive officer Keith Thomas said the work the players do while they are away will strengthen the foundations for next season, while providing an opportunity to further promote the AFL on the international stage.

“For Port Adelaide, this is an exceptional development opportunity for our young squad to share the experience of training, playing and learning in some of the most outstanding sporting environments in the world as we build for next year and the beyond,” Mr Thomas said.