St Kilda have gone all in on Max King, re-signing the key forward until the end of 2032 in a risky deal that could also reap big rewards.
King was already locked in until 2026, but has now signed on for a further six years.
The 24-year-old showcased his huge talent by kicking 52 goals in 2022.
But ongoing shoulder injuries, plus a torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his knee this year, meant King has been restricted to a combined 23 games over the past two seasons.
If King can stay largely injury free over the length of his new deal, it will be a huge weapon for St Kilda in their bid to land their first premiership since 1966.
But if King’s injury troubles resurface, the Saints risk copping a huge backlash from their impatient fan base.
“I’m pumped to be here for a few more years, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” King said in a statement.
“I love playing for this club – I love the coaches, I love the boys, and I have a lot of faith in the direction we’re going.
“I really appreciate the club showing faith in me and I’m conscious it’s a long-term deal – all I want to do is repay that faith through action.
“I feel so connected to the club and I’m really excited for the opportunity we have to make history – it’s something that is front of mind all the time.
“The playing group, particularly as a few of us have gotten older, you look around and think that this is our chance. We don’t want to waste years or a single opportunity to take this club forward.”
King endured a shortened pre-season this year on the back of his second shoulder reconstruction in 12 months.
His season was then cut short when he tore his PCL in round 16.
Nevertheless, St Kilda are confident King will be able to put his injury woes behind him and play a key role in leading the club to their second premiership.
“We’ve long seen Max as a key part of this club’s future, but it feels great to have now made it official,” St Kilda football manager David Misson said.
“Max’s athleticism and skill is undeniable and, despite playing one of the hardest roles on the field, we’ve seen his incremental growth continue in recent years.
“Off the field, Max is clearly invested in what we’re building, and we look forward to watching him continue to grow into an influential and respected leader of this footy club.”
King has kicked 159 goals from 83 games since being snared with pick No.4 in the 2018 national draft.
