St Kilda's hopes for a fit and firing Max King have been dealt another significant blow, with the key forward requiring further surgery on his troublesome right knee.
Another Setback for King's Tortured Knee
The club confirmed that King has undergone what it described as a "minor procedure" on the knee that has plagued him since a practice match injury in February 2024. This latest operation marks the third surgical intervention on the same knee this year alone.
As a result, the spearhead will be unable to participate in full training until late January 2026, extending a frustrating period on the sidelines. King has not played an AFL match since Round 17 of the 2024 season, meaning he will miss the entirety of the 2025 campaign.
Fan Fury Over "Embarrassing" Long-Term Deal
The news, first broken by 7NEWS sports reporter Xander McGuire, sparked an immediate and angry reaction from supporters on social media. The fury was largely directed at the club's decision to re-sign King to a massive six-year contract extension in 2024, a deal that ties him to the Saints until the end of 2032.
Fans labelled the situation a "disgrace" and a "complete joke," with many calling it the "worst contract in football." One frustrated supporter suggested the injury-cursed star should simply retire, while others sarcastically questioned if the Saints should offer him even more years or money.
The criticism highlights the immense pressure on both the player and the club, given the significant investment in a footballer who has been unable to take the field consistently.
Mixed Bag for Saints in Pre-Season
While the King news is a major negative, there is some positive movement on the injury front at Moorabbin. High-profile recruit Tom De Koning is back training after a calf injury interrupted the start of his first pre-season with St Kilda.
Fellow ex-Carlton player Jack Silvagni is making "positive progress" in his recovery from a groin issue. Furthermore, Mitch Owens, Dan Butler, and Ryan Byrnes have all returned to full training after their 2025 seasons were cut short by injury.
The Saints bolstered their list during the trade period, adding West Coast premiership player Liam Ryan and Gold Coast midfielder Sam Flanders, providing some optimism amidst the ongoing concerns over their star forward's durability.
