St Kilda’s Max King has season-ending knee surgery after failing to get on the park in 2025

After signing a monster contract extension, St Kilda star Max King has been plagued by knee issues and the latest setback has heaped pain on the Saints.

St Kilda’s Max King has been ruled out for the season. Picture: Mark Stewart

St Kilda hopes season-ending knee surgery will allow luckless spearhead Max King to be ready for the pre-season, making the call to send him under the knife again having failed to get him on the park in 2025.

King, 23, had already had two lots of surgery this year to try to repair his troublesome knee, but weekend scans and consultations with specialists determined a third operation was required.

The wretched run comes after he signed a whopping eight-season extension back in October of last year.

King has played just 11 and 12 games across the two seasons since his career-best 2022 when he booted 52 goals, showing the talent that moved the Saints to lock him in long term despite issues with his body.

St Kilda general manager David Misson said the surgery would take King off his legs for several months but would ensure he would be ready for the start of 2026.

“About 10 days ago, as Max was closing in on a return to football, he felt a clunking in his knee – the same knee that has been causing him trouble throughout this season,” he said.

Max King has had season-ending knee surgery. Picture: Mark Stewart

“This was as surprising as it was frustrating, as all indications were that Max’s most recent arthroscope had addressed this issue.

“Following further consultations and imaging last week and over the weekend, we feel the cause of Max’s issue has been pinpointed and that damage to the medial aspect of his knee, in certain situations, was impeding his movement and causing pain.

“The operation aimed to address and repair this issue. It will see Max off legs for several months, however, will allow him to be ready for the commencement of pre-season.

“Max’s grit and resilience has remained incredibly strong and steadfast throughout this challenging time, and he heads into this period of rehab with the whole club behind him.”

St Kilda slumped to 15th on Saturday night after going down to Collingwood by 34 points at Marvel Stadium.

The Saints have finals aspirants Fremantle and Hawthorn across their next fortnight.

Originally published as St Kilda’s Max King has season-ending knee surgery after failing to get on the park in 2025