Max King’s draft standing won’t be affected by ACL rupture

VICTORIA’S King twins are destined to be top-five draft picks despite a weekend in which Max King ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament.

Ben King is a top 10 draft prospect, along with his brother Max. Picture: Jason Sammon

VICTORIA’S King twins are destined to be top-five draft picks despite a weekend in which Max King ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament.

The 200cm brothers were playing for Haileybury College when King was pushed into a point post.

Scans on Monday confirmed he has torn his ACL.

INCONSISTENT: DEES HAVE TO EARN TRUST, SAYS GOODWIN

MARK ROBINSON: CLARKO STANCE IN BAFFLING

BIG HIT: MRO GIVES BURTON KO THE OK

With Max off, swingman brother Ben was thrown forward and kicked 11 goals from 17 marks.

Ben had been considered a top-10 pick this year but could rise up the charts if he can prove he is equally adept in attack.

The twins are managed by Robbie D’Orazio, who was called by AFL recruiters yesterday telling him Max’s injury would not change their draft plans.

The likely No.1 pick before his injury, Max should be able to complete an AFL pre-season and be back somewhere near Round 1 next year.

Max King is a potential No.1 pick. Picture: Getty Images

Ben was exceptional in the recent AFL Academy game against North Melbourne’s VFL side, competing strongly against Braydon Preuss and Mason Wood.

The Sandringham Dragons duo are set to be the highest pair of brothers taken in a draft, eclipsing Steven and Matthew Febey (picks three and 16 in 1986) and Harry and Ben McKay (picks 10 and 21 in 2015).

D’Orazio said Max King had been assured the injury would do little to affect his draft position in November.

“I have already been inundated with clubs telling me it doesn’t change anything,’’ he said.

“They will still back him in. He is an elite talent and they are saying nothing will change.

“I look at it as something of a blessing in disguise. He is doing year 12 and can focus on his upper body.”

Ben King (left) is also set to be taken high in the draft. Picture: Getty Images

Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor agreed it was only a short-term setback for Max’s AFL career.

“They will still be lining up for Max. He still has lots of upside and will spend his time in the gym,’’ he said.

“It was a real weekend of highs and lows for the family. Ben swapped forward after he went off and kicked 11 goals.

“Ben is on the move. Clusb really like the fact he can play at both ends. It will be hard for Max, but there are a lot of players who have done ACLs early and played a lot of footy.”

In a recent TAC Cup game against Oakleigh Chargers, Max kicked 8.5 and Ben had 20 possesssions, nine marks and kicked a goal.

LIVE stream every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week trial & start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW