St Kilda young gun Max King sidelined after freak golf accident

St Kilda young gun Max King will miss the club’s season opener against the GWS Giants after being struck in the head by a golf ball.

St Kilda young gun Max King will miss the club’s season opener against the GWS Giants after being struck in the head by a golf ball this week.

On Sunday afternoon, the club confirmed King would be required to spend a minimum of 12 days on the sidelines after suffering a minor concussion.

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A stray golf ball struck the 20-year-old key forward in the head while playing a round with friends in Brighton on Thursday.

According to The Herald Sun, a playing partner hit the ball almost at right angles on the same fairway and struck King’s head.

“It’s obviously a blow to lose Max for round one, but player health and wellbeing – particularly when it comes to concussion – is paramount,” Saints chief operating officer Simon Lethlean said in a statement.

“We’ll continue to monitor Max over the next week and take every measure necessary to ensure he is on track for round one.”

Max King of the Saints.

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King made his AFL debut for St Kilda last season, scoring 22 goals in 18 games.

He was the No. 4 pick at the 2018 AFL Draft, but an ACL tear prevented the youngster from making his AFL debut in 2019.

King joins ruckmen Paddy Ryder and Rowan Marshall on the sidelines, while Brad Crouch, Jarryn Geary, Ben Paton and James Frawley also won’t be available for selection in round one.

Former North Melbourne forward Mason Wood could be in line to make his debut for St Kilda in King’s absence.

Despite the recent coronavirus outbreak in Sydney, the Saints are scheduled to take on the Giants at Spotless Stadium next Sunday afternoon.