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St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary says the advice of rugby league great Billy Slater is proving invaluable on a number of issues, including playing overseas.

St Kilda have leaned on their go-to man Billy Slater for advice on how to handle the trip to Shanghai for their AFL match against Port Adelaide.

The rugby league great is proving invaluable since joining the Saints during the off-season.

Officially, it's a part-time leadership and development role.

In reality, Slater is proving the ultimate sounding board for captain Jarryn Geary and other players.

"We're finding with Billy that anything that comes up, we can go straight to him," Geary said.

"We can ask him how he's dealt with certain things throughout his career.

"He's been brilliant ... it might just be a text or a message he writes to us leaders, he's constantly doing that.

"Every issue that's come up, he's certainly been there and dealt with it, so he's been really helpful."

Slater racked up plenty of overseas games in his stellar rugby league career and Geary said his advice had been common-sense.

"His message has been ... embrace the experience, be a bit selfish in your preparation if you need your own time and make sure you prepare really strongly - but enjoy it," Geary said.

This is the first time that the Saints have played in Shanghai, taking over after Gold Coast played in the first two games against Port Adelaide.

"I just reckon it's exciting and a great opportunity," Geary said.

"That's what we've spoken about - embrace everything that gets thrown at you.

"It's a different culture, a different country, but not too many people get to travel the world and play sport."

As Geary also notes, following their games in New Zealand, the Saints are about to hold the unique distinction of playing AFL matches for premiership points in three countries.