Boom St Kilda youngster Max King will not take part in Round One after he was concussed by a golf ball.
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The Saints confirmed the 20-year-old would not face GWS next Sunday due to being struck in the head while playing golf with mates on Thursday.
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Multiple reports have suggested the incident occurred when a mate of King shanked his shot and hit the prized 2018 draftee in the temple.
https://twitter.com/stkildafc/status/1370987520406609920
King was found to have mild concussion symptoms in a consultation with St Kilda's medical team.
There is no way of King suiting up in the opening round because the AFL's new concussion protocols state that players must spend a minimum of 12 days out of action after suffering a concussion.
St Kilda chief operating officer Simon Lethlean said King's health was the club's chief priority.
"It's obviously a blow to lose Max for Round One, but player health and wellbeing – particularly when it comes to concussion – is paramount," Lethlean said.
"We'll continue to monitor Max over the next week and take every measure necessary to ensure he is on track for Round Two."
King is also managing an ankle injury after finishing the Saints' pre-season clash with Carlton on the bench.
The towering key forward is among a long list of Saints unavailable for selection for Round One, along with Paddy Ryder, Rowan Marshall, Brad Crouch, Jarryn Geary, Ben Paton and James Frawley.
Former champion Sydney midfielder Dan Hannebery (calf) is also in doubt to play.
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