St Kilda’s Max King faced another setback during his return to VFL football on Saturday, as the 25-year-old forward left the field early due to a hamstring issue. This marked his second game back in the competition after a long period of injuries that kept him sidelined.
King showed promise in the early stages of the match, managing to kick two goals in the first half. His performance suggested he was regaining some of his usual form, which had been hampered by a series of injuries over the past few years. However, his progress was cut short when he experienced discomfort during the second quarter.
The incident occurred when King took a mark inside the 50-metre arc. Instead of proceeding to kick for goal, he opted to pass the ball to a teammate before leaving the field at a slow pace. The decision to exit the game was likely precautionary, but it has raised concerns about the state of his injury.
St Kilda’s key forward is expected to undergo medical scans to determine the extent of the problem. If the injury proves to be serious, it could delay his return to AFL action, which has already been plagued by setbacks.
In terms of statistics, King finished the match with two goals, one behind, five disposals, and five marks. His first game back came last weekend, where he managed to kick one behind from four disposals, albeit in limited playing time.
The 202cm forward has had a challenging journey in recent years. His last appearance in an AFL match came in Round 16 of the 2024 season. Since then, he has struggled with recurring injuries, which have limited his opportunities on the field.
Despite these challenges, King remains a highly regarded player. He has scored 159 goals in 83 games since being selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2018 national draft. His talent and physical presence make him a valuable asset for St Kilda, and fans are hopeful that this latest setback is not a major obstacle.
The Saints will be closely monitoring King’s condition in the coming days. If the scan results are positive, it could mean a quicker return to action. However, if the injury requires more time to heal, it may take longer for him to regain full fitness.
For now, the focus is on ensuring King receives the necessary treatment and support to get back on the field. His experience and skill set are crucial for the team, and there is optimism that he will soon be able to contribute in a meaningful way.
