St Kilda forward Max King injury

In late July 2026, St Kilda forward Max King suffered a left‑hamstring strain during his first AFL appearance after a 757‑day absence. Scans confirmed the injury, and the club ruled him out for the remainder of the 2026 season. King, under a six‑year contract through 2032, has a history of serious setbacks, including a posterior cruciate ligament tear, multiple knee surgeries, a calf injury and an earlier hamstring strain.

Coach Ross Lyon defended the decision to start King straight in senior AFL action despite criticism for bypassing a gradual VFL return. Following the injury, the club announced that King would undergo specialist assessment in Melbourne and may be sent abroad—potentially to Dubai, the Red Bull training centre in Austria, or Los Angeles—for further treatment. Lyon expressed support for King’s rehabilitation and reiterated the plan for a full pre‑season ahead of the 2027 campaign. Despite King’s early exit, St Kilda secured a 31‑point win over North Melbourne and remain in the finals wildcard mix.