Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Ross Lyon remains confident Max King can still become a star for St Kilda despite another frustrating injury setback, backing the key forward to outlast his own tenure at the club. The Saints coach provided an update on Friday as King continues recovering from a hamstring issue after missing all of last season with persistent knee problems.
King returned to running this week as he works toward another comeback.
His absence has again highlighted St Kilda’s forward line struggles.
The Saints managed only 0.5 by halftime during last week’s loss to Hawthorn.
Lyon remains confident in King’s future
Despite ongoing setbacks, Lyon said the club remains fully committed to King’s long term future.
“He’s right in and it’s just a matter of time,” Lyon said before training on Friday.
“That’s what we envisage for Max, that’s what Max envisages.”
“But in the now, it’s a tough time for him and it’s a tough time for us.”
Lyon believes the former top draft pick still has significant upside.
“We just think he’s untapped potential on our list.”
“He’ll see me out. He’ll be kicking 60, 80, whatever it is, in 29, 30, whatever it is.”
The Saints have already seen glimpses of that potential.
King kicked 52 goals across 22 games during the 2022 season.
Since then, injuries have limited him to only 23 AFL appearances.
Knee complications led to further setbacks
Lyon rejected suggestions there are deeper concerns surrounding King’s long term fitness.
“It’s been a difficult period, but there’s nothing sinister there.”
“There’s nothing chronic.”
According to Lyon, conservative management of last year’s knee repair created further complications.
“When you do the repair, it’s four months off, then you come back and then that repair tears.”
“It just makes him vulnerable in a conditioning aspect to soft tissue and that’s what we’ve seen.”
The combination of knee rehabilitation and hamstring setbacks has delayed King’s return.
St Kilda remains hopeful he can eventually rebuild continuity.
Saints receive boost ahead of Sydney clash
While King remains unavailable, St Kilda expects several important inclusions for Sunday’s away game against Sydney.
Mitch Owens and Liam Ryan are set to return.
Nasiah Wanganen Milera will also spend time through the midfield.
“Paper teams always look good, but they’ll all play, pending training,” Lyon said.
The Saints coach believes recent improvements provide some encouragement despite offensive struggles.
“We showed in the second half against Hawthorn that if you play positive football and you compete well, you can score.”
The club also confirmed mid season recruit Campbell Lake will make his AFL debut.
Lyon rejects focus on one player
Jack Silvagni kicked three goals after moving forward against Hawthorn.
However, Lyon stressed team success cannot rely on one individual.
He referenced club history when discussing life without star players.
“Imagine the rhetoric today if Tony Lockett left St Kilda and went to the Swans,” Lyon said.
“The club played in a grand final two years later and was up at three quarter time without him.”
“So I don’t think it’s about one person.”
“It’s about a body of really competitive AFL footballers and that’s what we’re trying to build.”
Another academy dig as Swans challenge awaits
Lyon also took another light hearted swipe at academy systems while discussing Sydney star Isaac Heeney.
“He’s flying, isn’t he. A superstar of the competition, Isaac, a great academy product, that’s good.”
“We’ll have our hands full.”
Meanwhile, assistant coach Corey Enright continues attracting attention for senior coaching opportunities.
Carlton and Essendon are both searching for new coaches.
Lyon encouraged his assistant to pursue interviews if opportunities arise.
“I would drive him to any interview.”
“They’re like hen’s teeth, pretty hard to get.”
For now, however, much of St Kilda’s attention remains focused on King and whether the talented forward can finally overcome another frustrating chapter in his career.