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The day after Port Adelaide lost Tom Rockliff to a hamstring injury, St Kilda tall utility Blake Acres has missed training in Shanghai because of illness.
St Kilda tall utility Blake Acres is in some doubt for their big AFL clash with Port Adelaide because of illness.
Acres stayed at the team hotel on Friday as the Saints had their first run at Shanghai's Jiahgwan Stadium ahead of the Sunday match.
His absence comes a day after Port Adelaide lost key midfielder Tom Rockliff to a hamstring injury.
"Blake wasn't feeling the best, so he stayed behind at the hotel to rest," said Saints football boss Simon Lethlean.
"We'll continue to monitor him over the next day and he'll be given every chance to play."
Teammate 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.
Acres, who plays in attack or as second ruck, has played every game this season since missing round one because of back spasms.
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."