Max King could be back for St Kilda by round 21

St Kilda is hanging on to a spot in the top eight but a revelation from coach Ross Lyon could make their run home significantly better.

Max King and Tim Membrey could be back for St Kilda next week. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has revealed superstar forward Max King could return to AFL action as soon as next week despite having a shoulder injury that will require post-season surgery.

But the imminent return of King, and fellow key forward Tim Membrey who will play in the VFL this week, has been offset by the loss of defender Dougal Howard who is set for surgery after fracturing his wrist in the opening quarter of last week’s win over North Melbourne.

The Saints are hanging on to sixth place on the ladder but face a treacherous run home and Howard has been a key plank in St Kilda‘s defence playing all 18 games this season.

His potential return remains unknown but King, who has missed just two matches after dislocating his shoulder, an injury even Lyon thought would end his season, could be in for a shock early return

Max King could return as early as next week. Picture: Michael Klein

After an arthroscopy it became apparent King could miss just four to six weeks, with a second bout of surgery on his already reconstructed shoulder not necessary until after the season.

On Wednesday, ahead of a must-win clash with Hawthorn, Lyon revealed King had taken huge steps forward in his recovery and could be an “outside chance” of playing in round 21 in what could be a season-defining clash with Carlton.

Lyon would have no hesitation bringing him straight back into the AFL team.

“He‘s an outside chance for next week,” Lyon said.

“He‘s progressing really well … he’s doing a bit of joining in early (with) football stuff.

“He doesn’t play twos (reserves).”

Membrey, who hasn’t played since round 9 as he battled knee issues, will also return via the VFL this week and Lyon conceded it was “significant” not having he and King together for most of the 2023 season.

The two spearheads kicked 86 goals under former coach Brett Ratten last year.

“He‘s had long-term rehab, he’s progressing beautifully,” Lyon said of Membrey.

“It‘s been significant not having him and Max nearly all year and we’ve been really a tender age in our front half.

Max King and Tim Membrey could be back together again. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“We’re excited where Tim’s got himself to. If we can get them back at the pointy end, that would be nice.”

After the clash with Hawthorn, St Kilda faces Carlton, Richmond, Geelong and premiership contenders Brisbane over the final month of the home-and-away season, needing to win at least two and possibly three to hang on to their place in the top eight.

The Saints will play the Hawks at Marvel Stadium and Lyon said he was happy with the AFL’s response after he lashed them for leaving the roof open, which made the surface slippery.

“No process is perfect, they certainly explained it,” he said.

“The only concern from the AFL was that I implued teams get treated differently, which theu don’t, or I hope they don’t.”