Victoria has secured the AFL Round 12 game between St Kilda and Port Adelaide which has been relocated from Shanghai and will harness the occasion to celebrate the local Chinese community. The match had been scheduled to take place on 31 May, but due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, the St Kilda home game will now be played at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, 7 June. The Andrews Labor Government negotiated to bring the game to Melbourne once it became clear that the match could not proceed in China as planned.
“Sport is a great way to bring people together, whether it’s played in Shanghai or Docklands.” Victorian Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula “It’s a shame that the Saints can’t play in Shanghai this year, but we now have a terrific opportunity to show our support for our local Chinese communities.”
Minister Pakula explained that securing the game for Victoria gives St Kilda fans another chance to see their players in action at home and will provide a tourism boost with thousands of Port Adelaide supporters expected to travel to support their team. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Richard Wynne said that importantly, the Government will use the game as a platform to demonstrate solidarity with China and Victoria’s Chinese community as part of the 休戚与共 (Stronger Together) campaign, which is urging Victorians to unite as we face up to the global challenge of COVID-19.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the contribution that our Chinese communities make to the state and to let all people know that we are stronger together.” Minister Wynne commented.
Minister Wynne explained that the match weekend will feature a Chinese festival which will showcase the vibrancy of Victoria’s Chinese communities, including our international student community, and highlight the contribution that they make to our multicultural society. The Minister added that the festival will provide a platform for the Victorian business community to learn more about trade and investment opportunities with Chinese partners, with key organisations including Alibaba and PWC already on board.
“I would like to thank the Victorian Government for partnering with us and we will work with both clubs to celebrate the Chinese community in the lead up to the match.” AFL General Manager of Clubs and Broadcasting Travis Auld commented.
“We will work with the Victorian Government to promote the positive impact the Chinese community has on Melbourne through education, tourism and its unique contribution to our city’s diverse culture.” St Kilda Chief Executive Matt Finnis commented.

The St Kilda v Port Adelaide game will be played at 5:40pm on Sunday, 7 June.