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.<\/p>\n
MORE ST KILDA NEWS:<\/strong> EXCLUSIVE: Saints recruit Brad Crouch must earn 'respect' from rest of league, says Matthew Lloyd<\/a><\/p>\n Multiple reports have suggested the incident occurred when a mate of King shanked his shot and hit the prized 2018 draftee in the temple.<\/p>\n https:\/\/twitter.com\/stkildafc\/status\/1370987520406609920<\/a><\/p>\n King was found to have mild concussion symptoms in a consultation with St Kilda's medical team.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n St Kilda chief operating officer Simon Lethlean said King's health was the club's chief priority.<\/p>\n "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.<\/p>\n "We'll continue to monitor Max over the next week and take every measure necessary to ensure he is on track for Round Two."<\/p>\n King is also managing an ankle injury after finishing the Saints' pre-season clash with Carlton on the bench.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Former champion Sydney midfielder Dan Hannebery (calf) is also in doubt to play.<\/p>\n For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by<\/strong><\/em> clicking here!<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n