GOLD Coast key defender Rory Thompson has been a late withdrawal against Port Adelaide in China after injuring his hamstring in the warm-up at Jiangwan Stadium.

He was replaced by Keegan Brooksby, who was in a pre-game corporate function when Thompson sustained his injury.

Suns officials had to race Brooksby into the rooms to change, with the 27-year-old making it out on to the ground just in time for the national anthem.

Sunday's game in Shanghai was supposed to be Thompson's first game back after missing a month with a quad injury.

It will be the first senior game this season for Brooksby.