# St Kilda forward Max King injury > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/st-kilda-forward-max-king-injury > Updated: 2026-07-29T05:23:01.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-29: St Kilda forward Max King sidelined by hamstring injury St Kilda’s forward Max King is ruled out for the season after a hamstring injury; the club will seek specialist care and may send him overseas, while coach Ross Lyon pledges full pre‑season support. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/st-kilda-forward-max-king-sidelined-by-hamstring-injury ### 2026-07-26: St Kilda's Max King sidelined for rest of 2026 by hamstring injury Max King injured his left hamstring in his first AFL game after 757 days, ruling him out for the rest of 2026. Coach Ross Lyon defended the decision to play him directly, amid criticism. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/st-kilda-forward-max-king-sidelined-by-hamstring-after-757day-afl-comeback --- Cite as: St Kilda forward Max King injury. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/st-kilda-forward-max-king-injury