Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
St Kilda co-captain Callum Wilkie has lauded the attitude of luckless spearhead Max King.
King has not played an AFL match in two years due to debilitating knee and soft-tissue injuries.
The key forward made a long-awaited return through the Saints’ reserves in May but injured his hamstring in just his second game back.
King’s timeline for return has been consistently ambiguous and is listed as TBC despite reintegrating into main training.
Wilkie reiterated King’s importance to the Saints but backed the medical team’s cautious approach.
“He provides such an energy and spark, and no one’s hungrier to get out there and play footy than big Maxy,” he said.
“He’s an important part of this footy club going forward and he’s a good friend of mine – we got drafted together.
“I can’t wait to see him back out there, he’s a wonderful player and such an important part of our team.
“But when he’s ready and the club makes that decision … but he’ll be awesome for us once he comes back.”
King was slated to return for Opening Round, albeit on limited minutes, before sustaining another injury.
Progress has taken longer than the club initially forecast and King even went to the Gold Coast as a rehab circuit breaker.
Wilkie said King had maintained an appetite to contribute despite such persistent challenges.
“I’ve never seen someone with a better attitude towards rehab,” Wilkie said.
“Last year was probably quite tough on him, not being able to get the exact answer of what everything was.
“But his attitude to come in here every week, a smile on his face, get to work and obviously have the setbacks he did and still contribute to the footy club.
“Within the culture, helping the forwards, it’s first class and that’s why he’s such an important part of this group.”
