Things are starting to look up for St Kilda spearhead Max King, with the club anticipating he'll be ready to return to training before Christmas.
King has endured a horror three-year period, with knee and shoulder injuries curtailing his career and limiting his output to 23 games.
But after sitting out 2025 on the sidelines, the Saints are confident that the 25-year-old will be pushing for selection next season.
"All reports back from our medical and rehabilitation team have been very pleasing in regard to Max's recovery," St Kilda EGM Football David Misson said.
"By no means a small operation, the procedure has required Max to be off his legs for many months.
"The commitment and grit from Max and our team to build the movement and strength back into his knee during that time has been outstanding."
Utility Hunter Clark is on a similar timeline to King and is "currently recovering well" following knee surgery to "address a ligament injury", according to the club.
Clark has also faced multiple injury setbacks since 2018, having never played more than 19 senior matches in one year.
Mitch Owens (hamstring), Dan Butler (elbow), Ryan Byrnes (foot) and Paddy Dow (shoulder) are all expected to be available for the beginning of pre-season, which will take place on November 24.
As is Dougal Howard (hamstring), who is currently on a modified program.
St Kilda injury list
Butler | Elbow Surgery| Day 1 of Pre-Season
Byrnes | Foot | Day 1 of Pre-Season
Owens | Hamstring | Day 1 of Pre-Season
Clark | Knee Surgery | Before Christmas
King | Knee Surgery | Before Christmas
