St Kilda Football Club is proud to welcome new match-day partners for their first AFL match in Shanghai on Sunday.

Players and coaches left for China today supported by Woodside Energy, Monash University, Swisse, Zhaopin and Jinhang Lighting and Electrical.

CEO Matt Finnis said growing the club’s commercial partnership base was an important element to the club’s decision to play in Shanghai.

“Playing in China has already provided a platform to work with a number of prominent Australian organisations who do business in China,” Finnis said.

“We are excited to announce Woodside Energy and Monash University as new partners of the Saints’ involvement in Shanghai, alongside partners Swisse, Jinhang Lighting and Electrical and Zhaopin.

“We know this is just the beginning and look forward to strengthening the relationships we have already formed and creating new connections over the coming years.”

Finnis said the club would be joined by more than 80 business leaders in China from Wednesday for the inaugural Saints in Shanghai Business Delegation.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response and are excited to be connecting with our partners to the Chinese business community," he said.

“A key component of our decision to play in Shanghai is the support of the Victorian Government who we have partnered with to promote trade and investment between China and Victoria.

“The trip offers a unique combination of business networking, football and culture, with the Victorian Government’s Doing business in China Forum on Friday one of the highlights.”