St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has stated sidelined key forward Max King is unlikely to be back until "the late end of the season" after undergoing further knee surgery last week.
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.
His latest setback is likely to continue that trend, with the Saints revealing King will be sidelined for "a fair period of time".
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Lyon made note of the early injury issues that plagued Joe Daniher and Jesse Hogan, who would eventually emerge as stars of the competition in their later years.
"Now it's just a process of healing and rehabilitating," Lyon said of King's recovery.
"It's going to be a fair period of time. You're not going to see Max until the late end of the season, and that's OK. Is it disappointing for Max and us? Yes. But we've got to power forward.
"He had a great summer, the knee is structurally sound. (The break) gives him a clear runway (to return), whenever that is. You look at Daniher, you look at Hogan. Max is 24. Daniher and Hogan are hitting their peak around 29-31 because of all their challenges.
"Gee whiz, if Max can just have a good run at it, he's going to hit his straps well before 29."
The Saints are in line to welcome key defender Dougal Howard back from a long-term shoulder injury sustained ahead of the club's season start for Saturday's matchup with Brisbane.
Thursday's session will be the final hurdle for Howard, who is likely to slot into the backline and aid Lyon's key position planning.
Howard's return could see the Saints shift Caminiti into his traditional role as a forward target in King's absence.
"'Doug's a really good chance," Lyon said of Howard's playing prospects. "We've been a bit small (in defence), I think he'll play.
"It's been a laterjet (injury). First year at the Dockers, I had Nat Fyfe with a laterjet. 12 weeks of rehab, one week of training, He had 20 possessions to half time and was BOG. It's certainly not an impediment to coming back and playing well.
You can do all the running and training for a while, so it's no risk. Doug is keen to play, and (Cal) Wilkie will love to have him back. It gives us a real opportunity with Caminiti, does he go forward? We've been a bit small either end."
Lyon confirmed captain Jack Steele is "100 per cent" despite a low performance over the weekend against the Western Bulldogs, with the onballer having recently overcome a knee injury.
Rookie pair Tobie Travaglia and Hugh Boxshall both put their names forward for selection with starring roles in the VFL on Sunday, with uncapped tall Max Heath another who pressed his case.
The Saints will confirm their 23-man side for Round 7 at 6:20 pm (AEST) on Thursday evening.
