Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Max King return hopes remain alive for the St Kilda Saints, with the key forward saying he still wants to play AFL football this season after a long injury-hit stretch.

King has not played an AFL game since 2024 and was working his way back through the VFL this year before another setback stopped his comeback.

His push to return comes at a key time for the St Kilda Saints, with the club still weighing late-season options while Wayne Milera’s Adelaide Crows return adds another selection storyline across the AFL.

King Eyes Senior Comeback

King told Channel 7 reporter Tom Morris that he is not preparing simply to play lower-level football. His goal is to help the St Kilda Saints in the senior side before the season is over.

"Yeah, that's the aim," King said. "I'm not rehabbing to help the twos, whether or not I have to play one or two in that to get going, it's whatever the guys think. But I think I'll get to a spot where I'm ready to come in and help us.

"I think I can come back and be a really good player for the Saints."

Saints Face Careful Call

With the AFL season at Round 18, time is tight for King to build match fitness. The St Kilda Saints are unlikely to rush him straight into the senior side without at least one or two VFL games first.

The risk is clear after several injury setbacks across recent seasons. St Kilda need his marking power and scoring threat, but another breakdown would hurt both player and club.

Official AFL fixtures and club updates are available through the Australian Football League website.

King’s return would give the St Kilda Saints a major target inside 50 late in the season. If he can get through a short VFL block and regain touch, his comeback could still shape their finals push.