Shoulder damage ends Saints star Max King’s AFL season

St Kilda have been dealt a savage blow in pursuit of an AFL finals berth with affirmation spearhead Max King will miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder damage.

King harm his left shoulder within the opening seconds of the Saints’ 21-point loss to Melbourne on Saturday night time and was substituted out of the sport.

It’s the similar shoulder King had reconstructed in December after a fall at coaching.

Saints coach Ross Lyon, who suspected post-match King’s newest setback was “vital”, confirmed the membership’s worst fears on Sunday.

“We simply had a gathering this morning on it. He’ll go and see the surgeon tomorrow … he is performed for the yr,” Lyon instructed 3AW.

“It was a dislocation out the entrance, so it is heartbreaking for him and us, however he’ll return.”

King missed the opening 9 rounds of the season however marked his comeback with 4 targets in spherical 10.

The 23-year-old – the Saints’ main goalkicker in 2021-22 – booted 14 majors in six appearances this season earlier than re-injuring the shoulder.

Lyon mentioned King’s household and administration can be a part of the method to find out one of the best plan of action from right here because the Saints map out one other rehabilitation program.

“You have to fill them with air and perception and ensure that we’re doing the proper factor, so we really feel we are able to try this,” Lyon mentioned.

“I really feel for the King household and none greater than the boy himself.”

St Kilda additionally misplaced Seb Ross (hamstring) and Zaine Cordy (concussion) earlier than quarter-time towards Melbourne.

They fought bravely however had been finally overrun in a loss that places their top-eight spot in jeopardy.

The Saints (9-7) gained their first 4 video games of the yr in Lyon’s second coming as coach however have now misplaced 4 of their final six matches.

They face a tough highway journey to tackle fellow finals hopefuls Gold Coast in spherical 18.

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