Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has backed injured forward Max King to return stronger despite another frustrating setback during a VFL appearance last weekend. The Saints confirmed King will miss another six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury, extending a difficult run that has kept him out of AFL action since Round 16 of the 2024 season. The latest update matters for St Kilda’s attacking plans as the club continues searching for consistency during the 2026 AFL campaign.
Ross Lyon responds to outside criticism
Lyon defended the club’s handling of King’s recovery and pushed back on criticism surrounding the forward’s repeated injury issues.
“We’ve had him with (a movement coach in the USA), we’ve had him to one of the best physios in Australia at the AIS,” Lyon said.
The Saints coach looked frustrated with the growing outside discussion, especially after another interruption to King’s comeback attempt. St Kilda supporters had been hopeful after seeing King return through the VFL, but the atmosphere quickly shifted once news of the hamstring injury surfaced.
“At the end of the day- it’s really been one long term injury which is the knee that they were conservative (with).”
The club believes patience remains the best approach as King rebuilds fitness after multiple rehabilitation periods.
Saints still confident in Max King’s future
Despite the setback, Lyon insisted the key forward would eventually overcome the constant injury concerns.
“He’s gonna get there. It’s not a repetitive strain issue, it’s a nonsense,” Lyon added.
“Obviously, we’ve got to build him up and we’ll be even more conservative again, but he’ll get there, I’ve got no doubt.”
The latest injury comes at a difficult time for St Kilda, with fans eager to see the former top draft pick return to the senior side. King remains a major part of the Saints’ long-term plans because of his marking ability and presence inside the forward 50.
For more AFL coverage and injury updates, check out AFL News Hub. You can also read the latest St Kilda updates through The West Australian Sport Section.