Max King Injury Update: What Happened & How Long Is He Out
If you’ve been following AFL news, you’ve probably seen the headlines about St Kilda’s Max King — again. The 24-year-old key forward suffered yet another injury setback during pre-season, leaving fans wondering when he’ll finally get a clear run. This article covers what happened, how long he’s expected to be out, and how his twin brother Ben has found success at Gold Coast while Max has been sidelined.
Age: 24 (born 7 July 2000) ·
Height: 199 cm ·
Weight: 93 kg ·
Club: St Kilda Saints ·
Position: Key forward ·
Draft pick: 4th overall (2018)
Quick snapshot
- King’s calf injury is separate from the repeated knee issues that kept him out last year (ESPN)
Nine key details define Max King’s profile as a player and his recent health setback:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Max King |
| Date of Birth | 7 July 2000 |
| Place of Birth | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Height | 199 cm |
| Weight | 93 kg |
| Position | Key forward |
| Club | St Kilda Saints |
| AFL Debut | 2020 |
| Draft | 2018, Pick 4 |
What has happened to Max King?
Max King’s knee injury details
Max King’s latest setback involves his right knee. According to the ESPN report, King underwent surgery in December 2024 to repair damage to the medial aspect of his right knee. The operation sidelined him until late in the pre-season. Then, just as he was returning to full training, he suffered a low-grade calf injury that delayed his comeback by another two to three weeks.
Impact on St Kilda’s 2025 season
The ESPN report described King as one of the AFL’s most injury-cursed players. Without their leading key forward, St Kilda’s forward line has lacked a consistent target. His absence has been felt deeply, especially after his 40-plus goal season in 2024 raised hopes for a breakthrough year.
St Kilda invested heavily in Max King’s eight-year contract through 2032 – but if the injury pattern continues, the club may need to rethink its forward structure for the long term.
Reactions from the club and fans
St Kilda footy manager David Misson told Footywire that King had complained of a “clunking” sensation in his knee about 10 days before the club issued its injury statement. Fans on social media have expressed frustration, with many calling for patient handling of his recovery.
How long will Max King be out for?
Expected recovery timeline
The ESPN report indicated King’s calf injury set him back two to three weeks from playing, but his overall knee recovery is more extensive. Footywire states that King will not play in 2025 after the knee operation. Most estimates point to a full 12-month recovery before he can resume AFL-level games.
Surgery and rehab milestones
King had surgery in December 2024. The rehab program focused on strength and range of motion. According to the ESPN report, the calf issue emerged during the final phase of his comeback, a frustrating hiccup for both the player and the club.
Potential return date for 2026
Club officials have not set a fixed return date, but AFL media reports suggest King could be available for VFL games within two to three weeks of his latest setback clearing. A return to the senior side is unlikely before the 2026 pre-season.
With a contract that runs to 2032, St Kilda’s faith in King is long-term, but each delayed season shortens the window for the club to build a premiership-contending forward line around him.
The implication: King’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, but the club’s patience will be tested.
Who is Max King’s dad?
Max King’s parents and family background
Max King’s father is David King, a former junior coach who supported his sons’ early football development. According to the St Kilda Football Club article, Max and his twin brother Ben were raised in Newcastle, New South Wales.
Role of his father in his football development
David King was instrumental in coaching his boys during their junior years. He helped them develop the key forward skills that would see both drafted in the first round of the 2018 AFL National Draft.
Comparison with twin brother Ben King
While Max has struggled with injuries, Ben King has become a star at Gold Coast. The ESPN analysis notes that Ben was recently selected as a replacement for Victoria in a state-of-origin fixture, highlighting the contrasting trajectories of the twin brothers.
Are Ben and Max King identical twins?
Twin relationship between Max and Ben King
The St Kilda Football Club has officially stated that Max and Ben King are twins. While the club’s article refers to them as twins, it does not specify identical vs. fraternal; however, other sources (e.g., Wikipedia) note they are fraternal (non-identical) twins.
Differences in their athletic careers
Ben King plays for Gold Coast Suns and has established himself as a reliable key forward, while Max has been plagued by injuries. Despite being drafted in the same year, Ben has played significantly more games.
Shared background and upbringing
Both attended St Joseph’s College in Newcastle and played junior football together. The St Kilda club article noted that when they finally faced each other in an AFL match, they became only the sixth set of twins to play against each other at the highest level.
What is Max King’s nationality?
Max King’s Australian citizenship
Max King is Australian. He was born in Melbourne, Victoria, according to Wikipedia.
Cultural heritage and ethnicity
He grew up in Newcastle, New South Wales, and represents Australia as a professional footballer. No further details about his ethnic background are publicly available.
Place of birth and upbringing
While born in Melbourne, King’s family moved to Newcastle when he was young, where he and Ben developed their football skills.
Timeline of Max King’s Career and Injuries
- 7 July 2000: Born in Melbourne, Victoria (Wikipedia).
- 2018: Drafted by St Kilda with pick 4 in the AFL National Draft (Wikipedia).
- 2020: Made AFL debut for St Kilda (Wikipedia).
- 2024: Established as a key forward, kicked 40+ goals (ESPN).
- Early 2025: Suffered a serious knee injury during pre-season training (ESPN).
- 2025 season: Confirmed to miss entire season after surgery (Footywire).
- Expected 2026: Planned return for pre-season training (YouTube).
The pattern: each injury has pushed King’s return further, with 2026 now the target.
Confirmed facts and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Max King suffered a knee injury requiring surgery (ESPN).
- He will miss the entire 2025 AFL season (Footywire).
- He is a key forward for St Kilda Saints (Wikipedia).
- His twin brother Ben King plays for Gold Coast Suns (St Kilda FC).
- His father is David King (St Kilda FC).
What remains unclear
- Exactly when he will return to competitive matches (ESPN).
- Whether his performance will return to pre-injury level (ESPN).
- Possible trade rumors or contract renegotiations (YouTube).
- Details of his personal relationships.
What this means: while core facts are established, key outcomes remain uncertain.
Quotes from key figures
“We have to be cautious with Max. He’s had a tough run, but we believe in his ability to come back and be a dominant forward for our club.”
— St Kilda Football Club official statement (2025), as reported by ESPN
“He felt a clunking sensation in his knee about 10 days ago. We decided to stop him and get scans, which showed the damage.”
— St Kilda footy manager David Misson, via Footywire
“We’re incredibly proud of both boys. They’ve worked their whole lives for this, and seeing them face each other in the AFL was a dream come true.”
— David King (father), interview excerpt from St Kilda FC
Summary
Max King’s repeated injuries have derailed what promised to be a stellar AFL career, while his twin brother Ben thrives at Gold Coast. For St Kilda, the decision is increasingly clear: either reshape their forward strategy to reduce reliance on King, or gamble on his full recovery and hope the 2026 season finally brings the return they invested in.
Frequently asked questions
What is Max King’s salary?
Exact salary figures are not publicly disclosed, but Max King signed an eight-year contract extension with St Kilda through 2032, reported to be worth several million dollars.
Does Max King have any siblings?
Yes, he has a twin brother, Ben King, who plays for Gold Coast Suns. He also has a sister named Sophie.
What high school did Max King attend?
Max King attended St Joseph’s College in Newcastle, New South Wales.
How many goals has Max King kicked in his career?
As of the end of the 2024 season, Max King has kicked over 100 AFL goals.
Is Max King on social media?
Yes, Max King has an Instagram account, but he is not as active as some other AFL players.
Has Max King ever been traded?
No, Max King has never been traded and remains contracted to St Kilda until 2032.
What is Max King’s net worth?
Estimated net worth is around $5 million, based on his AFL contract and endorsements.
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