Max King's highly anticipated AFL return was cut short after just 13 minutes of play due to hamstring tightness, marking another setback in the 26-year-old's injury-plagued career.St Kilda coach Ross Lyon defended the decision to field King, citing rigorous rehabilitation protocols and confidence in his readiness.

Despite the early exit, the Saints secured a 31-point victory over North Melbourne, with Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera starring in a 46-disposal performance.

King, who had been absent for 757 days, faced immediate challenges, including limited game time and aggressive defensive pressure from North Melbourne.His injury history includes multiple surgeries on his right knee and a season-ending ACL tear in 2024, complicating his return to form.Lyon emphasized the team's cautious approach, noting King's high-speed running metrics and game-load sessions met medical benchmarks.

However, the premature exit has raised concerns about the feasibility of such rapid returns for injured athletes, with teammates expressing hope for a swift recovery.

The match also saw other injuries, including a late withdrawal for St Kilda's Rowan Marshall, but the Saints' dominance in clearances and disposals secured their win.