St Kilda have been dealt a savage blow in pursuit of an AFL finals berth with affirmation spearhead Max King will miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder damage.
King harm his left shoulder within the opening seconds of the Saints’ 21-point loss to Melbourne on Saturday night time and was substituted out of the sport.
It is identical shoulder King had reconstructed in December after a fall at coaching.
Saints coach Ross Lyon, who suspected post-match King’s newest setback was “significant”, confirmed the membership’s worst fears on Sunday.
“We just had a meeting this morning on it. He’ll go and see the surgeon tomorrow … he’s done for the year,” Lyon advised 3AW.
“It was a dislocation out the front, so it’s heartbreaking for him and us, but he will return.”
King missed the opening 9 rounds of the season however marked his comeback with 4 targets in spherical 10.
The 23-year-old – the Saints’ main goalkicker in 2021-22 – booted 14 majors in six appearances this season earlier than re-injuring the shoulder.
Lyon mentioned King’s household and administration will likely be a part of the method to find out the perfect plan of action from right here because the Saints map out one other rehabilitation program.
“You’ve got to fill them with air and belief and make sure that we’re doing the right thing, so we feel we can do that,” Lyon mentioned.
“I feel for the King family and none more than the boy himself.”
St Kilda additionally misplaced Seb Ross (hamstring) and Zaine Cordy (concussion) earlier than quarter-time towards Melbourne.
They fought bravely however had been in the end overrun in a loss that places their top-eight spot in jeopardy.
The Saints (9-7) gained their first 4 video games of the 12 months in Lyon’s second coming as coach however have now misplaced 4 of their final six matches.
They face a tough street journey to tackle fellow finals hopefuls Gold Coast in spherical 18.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
