Jason Dunstall tells Max King to take inspiration from Wayne Carey amid form slump, Nick Riewoldt assessment

Nick Riewoldt would be open to helping struggling Saint Max King, but an AFL great has called on the St Kilda forward to take inspiration from another legend of the game.

Exclusive. Saints jumper presentation. New draftee Max King excepts the No.12 jumper of Nick Riewoldt at the Saint's Moorabbin Ground. Picture: David Caird

Nick Riewoldt would be prepared to take young star Max King under his wing in a mentoring role as the St Kilda key forward was urged to channel Wayne Carey’s single-minded focus against Fremantle.

Riewoldt bemoaned King’s lack of forward craft this week as coach Ross Lyon conceded every St Kilda player needed to improve with the club languishing in 14th place.

The King camp was frustrated by Riewoldt’s comments – they believe a player who inherited his No.12 jumper has reached out to the Saints champion for help and advice without receiving much or any support in return.

But Riewoldt would be open to an overture after having several coffee catch ups with King in 2019 but little contact since then.

King has kicked only nine goals from six games, while brother Ben has shot into Coleman Medal contention with four goals for the Suns on Thursday night in Darwin.

Ben King has kicked 29.10 for the season at Gold Coast.

Max King’s season has been interrupted by a suspension and a two-week knee injury, but as Tim Membrey was managed – among six changes – he needs to fire against Fremantle.

King and the Saints are struggling to hit the scoreboard. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

St Kilda club stalwart Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy he believed Riewoldt was open to helping King realise his potential.

“People said (Nick) was critical (of King); I think he said he was concerned about his lack of forward craft,” Montagna said.

“He wants him to develop more to be the best player he can be.

“I know Nick would be happy to help him. He has never really had the opportunity.

“Previously he wasn’t really required and he’s been living in the US for the last 18 months so I am sure he would be happy.”

Riewoldt is currently in Australia and met Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff this week as a future role with the new team was flagged and he will eventually return to Melbourne full-time.

St Kilda, in the past, had been keen to keep King’s support team within the club – rebuffing Matthew Lloyd’s attempts to help his goalkicking in recent years. But Lyon and Riewoldt are especially close and the St Kilda coach even had list boss Steve Silvagni helping the club’s key defenders in recent weeks.

Goalkicking legend Jason Dunstall said that if King needed inspiration, Carey’s unwavering attack on the football was a good starting point.

“I think we all want to see Max King get better with natural improvement,” Dunstall said.

“I would love to show him footage of Wayne Carey. The way he attacked the ball, the way he attacked the contest. The only thing that mattered was getting to the contest.

“He has to follow a bit of team ethos – there would be some ‘dos and don’ts’ I am not aware of as far as the (Saints’) set up, but I would love to see him have a look at some of the contests from someone like Wayne Carey and say: “That is the benchmark, how close can I get to that.”

Riewoldt was critical of both King and St Kilda this week. Pic: Michael Klein

Lyon rung the changes at selection, managing Membrey, veteran midfielder Seb Ross and Liam Stocker while dropping Hugo Garcia, Jack Hayes and Angus Hastie.

Paddy Dow will receive a club debut after strong VFL form, while Cooper Sharman, Mattaes Phillipou, Zak Jones, Anthony Caminiti and Lance Collard were recalled.

Lyon didn’t back away from the need to improve this week, saying King was in the same boat as many players in needing to work on his craft.

“I think everyone does,” Lyon said. “I remember Robert Walls, who was one of the great coaches, and Craig Bradley said to him when he went to Carlton, ‘Keep coaching me, we all need to keep improving’.”

“We’ve all got to work on stuff. Is it symptomatic (of our issues)? Everyone’s entitled to their opinion. Unless you’re in the four walls – they’re the only real opinions that count.”

Originally published as Jason Dunstall tells Max King to take inspiration from Wayne Carey amid form slump, Nick Riewoldt assessment