Gold Coast will likely be the AFL’s most-travelled club next year.

The AFL released the 2017 draw on Thursday, which includes a historic match in China and the first game to be played for premiership points at a Victorian regional venue other than Geelong since 1952.

The Suns will be the nominal home team when they take on Port Adelaide at Jiangwan Sports Centre in China in round eight.

The Suns and the Power will have the following weekend off, with the other 16 clubs to get their bye in rounds 11-13.

Gold Coast are also the away team in matches against Melbourne in Alice Springs in round 10 and against the Western Bulldogs in Cairns in round 18.

The Bulldogs will unfurl their AFL premiership flag at Etihad Stadium before the grand final rematch against Sydney at Etihad Stadium in round two.

The Swans are among the big winners of the schedule, with eight Friday night games, including the annual Marn Grook clash against Hawthorn at the SCG.

“With so many big matches at home and away, including eight Victorian matches, the 2017 fixture is a real win for Swans members, supporters and corporate partners,” said Swans chief executive Andrew Ireland.

The Swans will be playing eight home and away games in Victoria – the most since 1996.

GWS also get three games on Friday night, including a prime-time home clash against the Bulldogs in Canberra in round six.

The Western Bulldogs will host Port Adelaide in round 22 at Eureka Stadium in Ballarat – the first time in 65 years that a Victorian regional venue other than Geelong will have hosted AFL action.

The contentious bye round before the finals has been retained for a second year.