AFL switches Shanghai match between Port Adelaide and St Kilda to Marvel Stadium

AFL’s Shanghai game moved to Marvel Stadium for Queen’s Birthday long weekend, giving St Kilda another home game.

St Kilda’s Jarryn Geary and Port Adelaide’s Travis Boak pose with mascots at the 2019 AFL match in Shanghai. Picture: AAP

The AFL’s Shanghai game will be moved to Marvel Stadium for the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, giving St Kilda another home game.

Round 11’s match between St Kilda and Port Adelaide was due to be played in China on May 31 but has been moved to Round 12.

AFL clubs general manager Travis Auld said the sport had enjoyed a good relationship with China during the Shanghai partnership.

AFL clubs general manager Travis Auld. Picture: AFL Media

“We see this as just a small speed hump in what is a longer term relationship,” he said.

Mr Auld admitted the AFL hadn’t yet planned for the hypothetical scenario of playing to empty stadiums or cancelling games.

He said the government’s advice for Australians was to go about their lives and businesses as usual and the AFL season would start as planned in two weeks.

Mr Auld, Victorian minister for trade Martin Pakula and the chief executives of the two clubs all said they wanted to support the local Chinese community with the upcoming game.

There have been three matches played at Jiangwan Stadium in Shanghai, all won by Port Adelaide.

The current advice from the federal government is for all residents to avoid travelling to China and Iran due to the risk of coronavirus.

The total number of coronavirus cases in Australia has risen to 41, with more people undergoing tests.

Across the globe, more than 90,000 cases have been confirmed and 3100 fatalities, including the death of West Australian man James Kwan.

Australians and permanent residents returning from China and Iran are currently required to self isolate for 14 days upon arrival.

Australians and permanent residents returning from South Korea and Italy are also advised to monitor their health for 14 days upon arrival.