There has been an outpouring of emotion for injury-cursed St Kilda star Max King after he was forced out of VFL action with yet another injury. King departed the game at Ikon Park before halftime with a hamstring issue, sparking mass concern on social media.
While St Kilda called the issue "hamstring awareness", fans had nothing but sympathy for King. The talented forward has not been seen at AFL level since Round 16, 2024, and had a modest game in the VFL last weekend.
This week against Carlton, however, he was showing positives. In his second VFL game in six days, the 25-year-old kicked two early goals at Ikon Park as he pressed his case for a long-awaited senior recall. He did not look too uncomfortable as he left the field, but he was grabbing at his left hamstring.
"F*** I feel for Max King. Unluckiest player on any list in the AFL at the moment. Hope its not serious ?," one fan said. And another: "No. No no no no no. Nooooo Max nooooooooooooo NOOOOOOO SURELY NOT MAX KING NOOOOOOOOOOO."
A St Kilda fan account said: "Looked dominant against Lewis Young as well... clunking everything. Very disappointing. Better then a knee or calf I guess." Wooden Spoon Data social account said: "Horrible news, Max King done for the day with what appears to be a hamstring, hopefully more of a precautionary move."
St Kilda later confirmed that King would take no further part in the game, but suggested the issue was minor. Contracted until 2032, King has kicked 159 goals in 83 games since debuting in 2020. But the 202cm tall forward has been plagued by knee issues, starting from his draft year in 2018 and forcing him to sit out the entire first season in the AFL.
