The AFL has cancelled this year's match in China amid coronavirus fears, with St Kilda instead to host Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.
The premiership season match had been slated for Sunday, 31 May, in Shanghai but the outbreak of the virus forced the league to act.
Port had bought the rights to host the clash, but the cancellation means it will revert to being a Saints home game.
The clash has been moved from round 11 to round 12 and will start at 5.40pm AEST on Sunday, 7 June, the day before the Queen's Birthday public holiday.
Chinese performers are seen before the start of the 2019 Round 11 AFL match between St Kilda and Port Adelaide at Jiangwan Stadium, Shanghai, China. Source: AAP
Both teams will now have a bye in round 11.
"It has become really clear that to proceed with the game in Shanghai would be placing our people at an unacceptable risk," AFL fixture chief Travis Auld said.
"It is evident that the coronavirus still poses a significant risk internationally and quite simply we will not compromise the health and safety of any of our clubs, supporters and AFL team members."
Port Adelaide have been at the forefront of the AFL's push into China, hosting Gold Coast in the inaugural game at Jiangwan Stadium in 2017.
The Power played the Suns again in 2018 and defeated St Kilda there last year.
"Obviously we're disappointed, we'd made a commitment to that game, but we were really pleased with the process," Port chief executive Keith Thomas said.
Crowds watch the 2019 Round 11 AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and Port Adelaide Power at Jiangwan Stadium. Source: AAP
"The AFL kept us all informed and we got the best advice.
"That it's in Melbourne, I think is a really good idea.
"I think wrapping our arms around the local Chinese community will reverberate back in China."
There had been speculation St Kilda would look to host the game at Moorabbin after the success of the Saints' AFLW program at the club's spiritual home.
But capacity issues at the suburban venue ruled it out.
"There were a number of options but ultimately we felt that playing the game at Marvel on Queen's Birthday eve was a great opportunity for Victorians to come together and really celebrate the Chinese community," St Kilda chief executive Matt Finnis said.
"They're hurting and we want to stand beside them.
"We think playing the game in the Melbourne CBD gives us the best opportunity to do that."
The AFL and both clubs remain committed to resuming their push into China with a game in Shanghai next year.
