Saints Star Max King in Doubt for Season Opener Following Knee Surgery

St Kilda’s key forward, Max King, may not be ready for the beginning of the forthcoming AFL season after undergoing surgery on his right knee on Thursday morning.

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that King did not suffer a second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in the same knee during a pre-season training incident.

However, he underwent an exploratory arthroscopy due to persistent pain in the knee.

St Kilda’s head of footy, David Misson, stated: “We attempted several non-surgical approaches to manage Max’s discomfort, which yielded varying results but ultimately proved short-lived. The surgery was successful, and we will now provide Max with ample time to recover while we establish a clearer timeline for his return to play.”

“Nevertheless, we don’t anticipate that this will significantly hinder Max’s participation in the 2025 season, although his availability for round one remains uncertain.”

The 24-year-old appeared in only 12 matches last season after suffering a posterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee during round 17.

Previously, King had ruptured his right ACL in 2018, which kept him off the field during his draft year.

Despite a history of injuries, including a shoulder reconstruction late in 2022, King has netted 159 goals across 83 senior games since being selected by the Saints with the fourth overall pick in the 2018 draft.

King committed to a six-year contract extension last October, ensuring his place at the Saints until the end of 2032.

When fully fit, the 202-centimetre forward has proven to be a crucial asset for the Saints’ scoring capacity.

This Saturday, the Saints will host the Power in their sole official practice match before heading to Adelaide to face the Crows in their season opener on Sunday, March 16.

Ruck-forward Rowan Marshall (pelvis) and two-time All-Australian defender Jack Sinclair (hamstring) will miss the match against Port Adelaide but are on course to return for round one.

In King’s absence, Cooper Sharman, Mitch Owens, and Anthony Caminiti will need to elevate their goal-scoring contributions.