This article originally appeared on afl.com.au
STAR Port Adelaide onballer Tom Rockliff has been ruled out of Sunday's crunch clash with St Kilda at Jiangwan Stadium in Shanghai, China.
A left hamstring injury suffered against Hawthorn last week will keep the 29-year-old on the sidelines.
It's a tough blow for the Power, with Rockliff averaging 31 disposals and seven clearances this season.
However, Ryan Burton (hamstring) and Scott Lycett (adductor) will return to the side.
"Tom won't play," coach Ken Hinkley said after training.
"He's come over but he's just not quite right. We're at Thursday, we gave him every possible chance to come up but there comes a time when you make a decision and it's today."
The trip to China, flown over two legs via Singapore, wouldn't have made it easy for Rockliff, and Hinkley conceded Port considered not flying the prolific ball-winner over.
"We certainly did but he ran well on Monday and he's too good a player not to give that opportunity to," Hinkley said.
"I know it's a long way to go but, from a club point of view, we have to be prepared to take every opportunity we can to have our best players out there."
Impressive young backman Ryan Burton hasn't taken to the field since the round eight Showdown with Adelaide and while he did extra work by himself at the end of training, Hinkley was adamant the former Hawk would be fine.
"He certainly didn't do a fitness test … Ryan's fine. He's 100 per cent ready to go," Hinkley said.
More reinforcements will be on the way after the Power's week off in round 12. Hamish Hartlett lined up in the SANFL last week while hulking forward Charlie Dixon, who has dealt with a brutal right leg injury, isn't far away from returning at that level.
Hartlett is in China for ambassadorial duties and looked unencumbered while joining the main group.
"'Hammer' would tell you right now that he's ready to play," Hinkley said.
"We watched him play last week and he's nearly ready to play but he's coming off an ACL, he's had some interruptions with his hamstring.
"The cautious thing would to be just a bit careful right now and we're going to be that with 'Hammer'.
"Charlie's currently optimistic about where he's at and where he's going and we look pretty good for after the bye."
After Port faced Gold Coast in Shanghai the past two years, this clash will mean more than it ever has in the context of the season.
Both teams sit 5-5 just outside the top eight on percentage.
"We all understand the importance of the game," Hinkley said.
"We get to bring such a big game to Shanghai, which is really important.
"We haven't probably had as big a drawing card as far as where both sides are on the ladder. No disrespect to the Gold Coast but we're here now with two teams 5-5, season really alive, fighting for a fair bit."
