St Kilda’s Max King Faces New Setback in AFL Comeback
St Kilda key forward Max King has faced another setback in his return to AFL football, as he suffered a hamstring injury during the second quarter of a match against Carlton’s VFL side. This latest injury adds to the challenges he has already encountered on his path back to top-level competition.
On the Six Points AFL podcast, Daniel Harford expressed concerns about King’s progress, stating that even without this new injury, King was still several weeks away from being ready for AFL action. “He wasn’t moving around the ground or covering the ground very well at all, outside of his bubble,” Harford said. “When the ball was in the bubble, he wasn’t moving much either, so that was a bit of a concern.”
Harford went on to say that, from a St Kilda perspective, King wouldn’t have been playing next week anyway if he had managed to get through the game without further issues. “He wasn’t covering the ground very well at all, so he’s a long way from the action in terms of the tank required to play AFL level,” Harford added. “Now we’ve seen that hamstring go, it’s another stint on the sidelines for poor old Maxy. What do they do with him now, St Kilda?”
Concerns Over King’s Recovery Timeline
Mark Stevens also voiced concerns about King’s recovery, suggesting that this could be another wasted season for the forward. “Well, it would be a three to four week injury for a normal person; it’s a standard hamstring he was able to walk off and pass the ball, so it shows the conservatism now that they’re already saying six,” Stevens said.
According to Stevens, King will need to come back through the VFL again, and given that two games weren’t enough this time, he may require two or three, maybe even four in the VFL. “That’s ten weeks, and the season is just about gone,” Stevens noted. “Can you afford to put the queue in the rack again for King? He’s on big money on a long deal, will he ever get back? That’s the issue.”
Implications for St Kilda and King’s Future
The latest injury raises questions about how St Kilda will manage King’s return and whether he can regain his form at the highest level. With the team relying on key players, the extended absence of a forward like King could impact their performance in the upcoming seasons.
King’s situation highlights the challenges that come with high-profile athletes returning from injuries. The combination of physical demands and the need for careful rehabilitation means that even minor setbacks can lead to longer periods of inactivity.
For fans and analysts alike, the focus remains on whether King can make a successful comeback and contribute meaningfully to St Kilda’s efforts in the AFL. The team will need to balance patience with the urgency of preparing for the next season, while also considering the long-term implications of King’s contract and performance.
As the season progresses, the pressure on King to prove himself will only increase. His ability to recover fully and return to peak form will be crucial not only for his own career but also for the success of St Kilda as a team.
