3 minute read

The day after Port Adelaide lost Tom Rockliff to a hamstring injury, St Kilda tall utility Blake Acres was ruled out of the clash in Shanghai due to a virus.

St Kilda have lost tall utility Blake Acres for their big AFL clash with Port Adelaide in Shanghai because of illness.

Acres stayed at the team hotel on Friday as the team had their first run at Jiangwan Stadium ahead of Sunday's game.

He was later left out of the side, with captain Jarryn Geary returning from his six-week recovery from leg surgery as the only change.

It is understood Acres was not feeling well when the team arrived on Thursday and the club said he has a virus.

Port made three changes, regaining defender Ryan Burton and Scott Lycett from injury and also including Riley Bonner.

News of Acres' illness comes a day after Port lost key midfielder Tom Rockliff to a hamstring injury.

They also left out Peter Ladhams and Billy Frampton.

Before the final teams were confirmed, the Saints had said they would give Acres another day to hopefully recover.

Acres, who plays in attack or as second ruck, has played every game this season since missing round one because of back spasms.

Dylan Roberton, who remains sidelined for the season as seeks a complete diagnosis for his heart condition, ran laps at the stadium wearing Acres' No.8 guernsey.

St Kilda have taken over from Gold Coast as Port's opponent for the Shanghai game, which is in its third year.

There have been some grumblings about the worth of the China campaign, given the costs involved.

But there is no doubting the significance of Sunday's game, given the two teams are on 5-5 records and struggling for consistency.

Young Saint Josh Battle also had no doubts after his first look at the game venue.

"I've only been overseas three times, so it's pretty special to get to come over here for footy," the 20-year-old said

"You pinch yourself a bit - only 20 and coming over to play a game of AFL.

"It doesn't get much better than that."