St Kilda's finals aspirations have taken a severe blow with ruckman Tom De Koning sidelined for a significant period after scans confirmed a punctured lung and two broken ribs. The injuries occurred during Sunday's 22-point loss to the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, compounding a disappointing defeat for the Saints.
Injury Details and Match Impact
De Koning, who had started the match strongly, was forced from the field at half-time after a heavy collision in the second quarter. Initially assessed in the rooms, he briefly returned late in the second term but his condition worsened, leading to his withdrawal during the main break. He was subsequently taken to hospital for scans, which revealed the full extent of the damage. Saints coach Ross Lyon had initially described the hospital visit as precautionary, but the results confirmed serious injuries.
This is not the first time De Koning has suffered a lung injury; his 2024 season with Carlton was also disrupted by a collapsed lung, sustained alongside a foot fracture in the same game.
Further Casualties: Sinclair and Marshall
The injury crisis does not end with De Koning. Midfielder Jack Sinclair is set to miss the remainder of the 2026 campaign after scans confirmed a calf tear. There were initial fears of a more serious Achilles injury after Sinclair was seen wearing a moon boot when he limped off the field in visible pain. Meanwhile, ruckman Rowan Marshall is awaiting further assessment on a collarbone injury he played through during the match.
St Kilda's Finals Push in Jeopardy
With a record of 6-9, St Kilda currently sit outside the top eight and face an uphill battle to reach the finals. The team now has a week off before facing last-placed Essendon in Round 17, a match that will be crucial to keeping their season alive but will be played without several key players. The absence of De Koning and Sinclair, combined with Marshall's uncertain fitness, leaves the Saints severely depleted in both the ruck and midfield rotations.
