St Kilda forward Max King has declared that he will be seen on an AFL field in 2025, despite ongoing knee issues.
King hasn't been sighted this season due to ongoing knee injuries that have dampened what was a promising pre-season for the Saints target, who hasn't played more than 12 in a single season since 2022.
Saints coach Ross Lyon said a fortnight ago that the most recent setback would sideline the 24-year-old for a "fair period of time", with no rough timeline on his return.
But in a more positive update, King, who fronted the media ahead of the annual Spud's Game launch, said he is improving as each week progresses.
"There's been a few ups and downs this year," King said.
"But back on track now, and chipping away through rehab, and hopefully get the body to a good spot again."
King didn't have an exact timeline on when he'd return in 2025, but was adamant it would be before the season ends.
"I will play again this year," King said.
"At this early stage, we are trying to get on top of everything.
"So far, so good. But we won't put a specific timeline on it yet. Just focused on getting everything right.
"We don't know exactly what week that looks like, but I'm very optimistic about it."
The dynamo key forward has suffered multiple setbacks over the past six months, but is "extremely confident" he has moved past the frustrating mishaps.
In King's absence, St Kilda has recorded four victories in 2025, and recently snapped a three-game losing streak with an impressive win over Fremantle.
The Saints will host Carlton in the fifth edition of Spud's Game, dedicated to the late and great Danny Frawley.
Frawley played 240 games for the Moorabbin club, and tragically lost his life in 2019, but he stood up and helped those who were in need.
The dedicated contest is about coming together as a community to stand for mental health and raise crucial funds.
In the lead-up to Friday's clash, St Kilda will put on Spud's Ride, which is a 24-hour cycling relay around the MCG concourse - it's about showing up, sharing the load, and turning awareness into action.
