AFL pre-season news and updates: All the latest from the track as we gear up for season 2023

St Kilda has a host of important players returning from 2022 injuries. See where they are at and get the latest news from the Saints’ pre-season.

Ross Lyon had a keen eye on training today as his Saints gear up for the 2023 season.

He’ll be on the lookout for a Max King replacement for at least the early part of the year, as the star forward recovers from injury.

A couple of trialists were also put through their paces.

Make sure you stay tuned for more pre-season news here.

Max King with new coach Ross Lyon. Picture: Getty Images

‘GETTING THERE’

Star key forward Max King is still sidelined from main training as he continues his recovery from a shoulder reconstruction early last month.

However, the 22-year-old had a smile on his dial as he watched on at the start of the session before heading inside to the gym.

Asked how his recovery was going by a regular track watcher on the sidelines, King replied: “Getting there, slowly”.

While the Saints have not put an exact timeframe on King’s return, he will miss at least the early part of the season in a major blow to the club.

King booted 52 goals from 22 games last season – 18 more majors than any other St Kilda player.

Marcus Windhager could be set for a breakout season for the Saints. Picture: Michael Klein

BULKED UP

Second-year midfielder Marcus Windhager looks to have added a few kilos to his frame over summer.

Windhager has been a regular in the gym at Moorabbin but hasn’t lost any of his running abilities, having finished second in St Kilda’s 3km time trial pre-Christmas.

A bargain buy at pick 47 in the 2021 national draft, the St Kilda Next Generation Academy product averaged 11.8 disposals from 18 games on debut last season.

Mattaes Phillipou speaks to Ross Lyon at Moorrabin Oval. Picture: Getty Images

ROSS THE HAPPY BOSS

New St Kilda coach Ross Lyon looks to be enjoying himself as pre-season begins to ramp up.

Long known as a tough taskmaster, Lyon is clearly looking more relaxed in his second time around at the Saints.

Lyon was front and centre on the first day back at pre-season training and was regularly cracking a smile and giving players a clap for their good work.

Jade Gresham was with the rehab group for a period of training on Monday. Picture: Getty Images

REHAB GROUP

Jack Hayes and Nick Coffield are still working their way back to fitness after suffering ACL injuries early last year.

Both ran some laps, before Coffield headed into the gym and Hayes did some other lighter work on the sidelines.

Jade Gresham (knee) completed part of the main session before joining the rehab group for some lighter drills, as did Josh Battle (ankle).

Jack Billings remains on light duties after having back surgery last September to correct a disc protrusion.

Midfielder Zak Jones spent the morning in the gym with King.

Liam Stocker is pushing for a place on the Saints’ list. Picture: Michael Klein

STILL TRIALLING

Former Carlton defender Liam Stocker and former Essendon forward Josh Eyre are still training with the Saints in search of a spot on the club’s list through the Supplementary Selection Period.

Stocker worked hard during Monday’s session, while Eyre showed himself to be an athletic big man who was moving well.

The Saints have two available list spots which they can fill through the SSP or they can keep open for the mid-season rookie draft.

Bradley Hill needs a big year. Picture: Getty Images

NOT MESSING AROUND

St Kilda is not messing around as it strives for some more success in its 150th anniversary year.

Saints players were greeted with a 3km time trial on Monday morning as they returned from their Christmas break.

Running machine Brad Hill finished first, with mobile key forward Matthew Allison a surprise second-place finisher and Marcus Windhager rounding out the top-three.

The Saints followed the time trial with a solid one-and-a-half hour session on the track, which included some situational match play.

Originally published as AFL pre-season news and updates: All the latest from the track as we gear up for season 2023