St Kilda forward Max King sidelined by hamstring injury

St Kilda’s 26‑year‑old key forward Max King suffered a hamstring injury in his first AFL game in 757 days against North Melbourne, forcing him out for the remainder of the season. The club, which has King contracted through 2032, said he will undergo specialist assessment in Melbourne and may be sent overseas – with options such as Dubai, the Red Bull training centre in Austria, or Los Angeles – for further treatment. Coach Ross Lyon expressed support, noting the emotional toll on King and reaffirming the team’s plan for him to complete a full pre‑season ahead of the 2027 campaign. The Saints still secured a 31‑point win over the Kangaroos despite King’s early exit from the match.