Max King Faces New Setback in Comeback Attempt
St Kilda forward Max King has faced another difficult challenge in his ongoing recovery from injuries, as he suffered a hamstring injury during his second match back at VFL level. This latest setback comes at a critical time for the 25-year-old, who had been working hard to make a return to the senior AFL side.
King had not played an AFL game since round 16 of the 2024 season and was making progress in overcoming a recent calf injury. He was expected to be a strong candidate for a recall to the senior team in the coming weeks. However, his journey took a turn when he sustained a hamstring issue during a VFL clash against Carlton at Ikon Park on Saturday.
Despite the setback, King showed promise early in the match, kicking two goals in the opening moments. Unfortunately, he was forced to leave the field with what the Saints described as “hamstring awareness.” He immediately iced his left leg and did not participate further in the contest, which the Blues won by five points.
This latest injury occurred just 24 hours after St Kilda coach Ross Lyon expressed his confidence in King’s progress during his latest comeback attempt. Lyon praised the forward’s growing self-belief and his ability to contribute to the team.
“We’re actually thrilled that he’s out there, he’s really confident in himself and his ability to contribute,” Lyon said on Friday. “He would’ve played (AFL) last week, to be honest, if he could pick the team. So that’s great, but we have got people at the moment in form. We’ll just keep working with Max. When it is and what it looks like, I don’t know.”
A Career Marked by Injuries
Max King, selected as the No.4 draft pick in 2018, has struggled with injuries throughout his career. His time on the field has been limited, with only 23 games played across the 2023-24 seasons. A pre-season knee injury last year led to multiple surgeries, further complicating his path to consistency.
Despite these challenges, King remains a key player for St Kilda. He is contracted with the club until 2032 and has managed to play 83 senior games over eight seasons, scoring 159 goals in the process.
Looking Ahead
With his contract set to run through 2032, King’s future with the Saints still holds potential. However, his current injury will likely require more time for recovery. The coaching staff will need to carefully manage his return to ensure he can regain full fitness and contribute effectively to the team.
For now, the focus will be on rehabilitating the hamstring injury and preparing for the next step in his comeback. With the right support and time, King may yet find his way back to the AFL stage, where he has shown flashes of brilliance in the past.
The St Kilda community will undoubtedly be watching closely as the forward works through this latest challenge, hoping to see him return to his best form soon.
