St Kilda spearhead Max King says he’ll be back at AFL level before 2025 finals

Max King hasn’t been seen at AFL level since late in 2024, but the star forward who signed a monster contract has given an update on his return.

Injury-plagued St Kilda forward Max King is adamant he’ll play again in 2025, he just doesn’t know when.

The 24-year-old, who signed a monster six-year contract extension last October, injured his knee during a practice match and is yet to play a game this season.

He had a second arthroscope last month and there’s no clear timeline on a return, which King conceded was producing some “tough” periods.

But after a few false starts in his recovery, King, who kicked 52 goals in 2022 but has played just 23 games in two seasons since, was hopeful he was on the right path and no longer “guessing” about his return to play.

“I will play again this year,” King said on Thursday.

“We just don’t know exactly what week that looks like, but I’m really optimistic now that we’re on top of it all.

“It’s just a matter of reconditioning everything and getting it all up to speed.

Max King is confident he will play again this season. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“It’s a hard space to be in when it’s a guessing game and you’re not sure whether you’ve really sorted it out, but I feel like we’ve finally got there.

“It took us a while. It is a shame to miss more footy, but I’m definitely on the way back now.”

King hasn’t played since round 17, 2024, and speaking at the launch of Spud’s Ride, a 24-hour cycling relay around the MCG in honour of late St Kilda champion Danny Frawley to champion his cause about mental health research and programs, he said not playing was “not very fun”.

But he now had “light at the end of the tunnel” and could yet play a part in St Kilda’s finals push.

“It’s tough at times,” he said.

“I love playing footy and love playing for St Kilda.

“When you’re a footballer who’s not playing football, it’s not very fun.

“But I’ve got amazing people around me, the club’s been so supportive and I feel like I’m in a good space with everything.

“It’s easier when there’s a bit of light at the end of the tunnel now and I feel like I’m working towards something.”