St Kilda’s coach, Ross Lyon, has shared updates on the potential return of key forward Max King, who is currently on track to make his comeback in Round 7. However, Lyon remains uncertain about whether King will play in the AFL or through the VFL.
The Saints are set to host West Coast at Marvel Stadium in two weeks, while their reserves side will take on Gold Coast at RSEA Park. This schedule highlights the importance of King’s potential return, as he has been described by Lyon as an “untapped prospect” within the club. His absence from the top-tier competition has now stretched over 650 days.
King last featured in Round 16 of the 2024 season against Port Adelaide and has since missed the entire previous year due to knee and soft-tissue injuries. He is still listed as TBC (to be confirmed) on the club’s injury list, indicating that his return is not yet fully secured.
Lyon also provided updates on Liam Henry, who is expected to contribute to the senior side after recovering from a hamstring injury. “Max King is coming on quick. Really quick,” Lyon said. “(Liam) Henry’s coming quick too. So there’s a bit to add to this group.”
He added: “It’s round 5. (King’s return) won’t be round six. We think all tracking well he will play round seven. Where he plays we don’t know (VFL or AFL). He’s an untapped prospect on our list.”
King’s impact on the field has been significant. Since being drafted in 2018, he has kicked 159 goals in just 83 AFL games. His performance has earned him a major contract extension in 2024, which locks him away until the end of 2032.
The Saints are set to face Adelaide next week, continuing their stay in South Australia following the Gather Round. This upcoming match will be crucial for assessing the team’s readiness as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
With King’s potential return, the Saints are looking to strengthen their forward line and add depth to their squad. The uncertainty around whether he will play in the AFL or VFL suggests that the coaching staff is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing his long-term recovery and performance.
For fans, the anticipation of King’s return is high, given his track record and the value he brings to the team. His presence could significantly influence the Saints’ performance in the latter half of the season.
As the club moves forward, the focus will remain on ensuring that players like King and Henry are fully prepared before making their returns. This careful planning reflects the importance of maintaining a competitive edge in the highly demanding AFL environment.
With the season progressing, the St Kilda coaching staff is working diligently to balance the need for immediate contributions with the long-term health and development of their players. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how the team shapes up for the rest of the campaign.
