AFL Injury Update: Max King Faces Calf Setback, Ivan Soldo Out for Season

St Kilda key forward Max King has sustained a low-grade calf muscle injury, which will delay his highly anticipated return to the AFL. This setback occurred as he was returning to full training and is expected to extend his recovery by two to three weeks. The injury is a calf problem, distinct from the repeated knee issues that significantly affected his play last year.

Saints football boss Lenny Hayes commented on the situation:

"Max has put together a solid block of work this pre-season, and it is disappointing for him to face this setback, albeit on the lower end of the scale. However, we remain optimistic and will do everything we can to support Max and have him back in full training as soon as possible."

King, a 2018 number four draft pick, has played only 23 games across the 2023-24 seasons due to his extensive injury history. His last AFL game was in round 17 of the 2024 campaign. He underwent further surgery on his right knee in December, which sidelined him until late last month, following an initial injury in a February practice match and two subsequent operations. St Kilda re-signed King to a six-year deal in 2024, extending his contract until 2032. Since his senior debut in 2020, King has kicked 159 goals in 83 games.

Ivan Soldo's Season-Ending ACL Injury

Separately, Port Adelaide ruckman Ivan Soldo will not play this year after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during a training session. This marks a significant blow for the 29-year-old, who has played eight games since joining the Power from Richmond ahead of the 2024 season.

Soldo was part of Richmond's 2019 premiership team but previously ruptured the ACL in his left knee in 2020. He joined Alberton on a three-year contract in 2024 and featured in one game last year.

Additional Injury Concerns Around the League

In other AFL injury developments, Collingwood player Nick Daicos was observed with strapping on his left leg during training. Additionally, Adelaide player Sid Draper reportedly concluded his training early due to a recurring groin issue.

State of Origin Team Changes

Coleman Medallist Jeremy Cameron withdrew from the Victorian line-up for Saturday night's State of Origin match against WA, continuing his recovery from a broken arm sustained in last year's grand final. Gold Coast key forward Ben King, last season's Coleman Medal runner-up, has been named as Cameron's replacement for Victoria.