St Kilda fans are desperate to see Max King at senior level. But they need to realise there’s no rush. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
St Kilda fans are abuzz at the moment because out of the goal square at Trevor Barker Oval stands a young prodigy, taller in stature than Nick Riewoldt but possessing similar athleticism and ability as the former St Kilda captain.
Donning the same No.12 worn by that aforementioned champion, Max King has played four VFL games, and already St Kilda fans are calling for him to be rushed into the AFL side.
It’s a tempting proposition for a team struggling for goals. But here’s three reasons the Saints need to hold off on rushing the 19-year-old into the senior 22 this season.
1. Feel for the game
King’s first game back from a knee reconstruction for Sandringham was against Collingwood five weeks ago, a match in he finished with seven disposals and a goal and looked very lively, before sitting out the final quarter as a precaution.
In game two, against Essendon, his minutes increased and the supporter buzz began. King only had seven disposals again, but kicked four goals and had the look of a young Riewoldt, flying from three-deep to pull down some magnificent contested marks, a glimpse of what the future holds for this bright talent.
Against the Northern Blues at Marvel Stadium he was rarely sighted as the older, stronger, more experienced Hugh Goddard took away his ability to lead and jump for the ball, though King still finished with two goals, and a fortnight ago against Coburg, boosted that tally to three.
But King is very much still feeling his way. Yet to dominate a VFL game, to expect much in the elite surrounds of the AFL is a big ask indeed. Why would Alan Richardson consider throwing King to the wolves yet against even bigger, stronger and faster defenders?
King is still finding his feet in the game and working out if his troublesome knee can handle the rigours of AFL football. That’s something about which Riewoldt, who needed to have his knee drained almost every game for the last five years of his career, can tell him all about.
2. The Spencer White theory
Remember Spencer White? Not many would, but Saints fans referred to him as “The Great White Hope” and they too wanted him rushed into the side after one or two good games in the VFL.
White had six disposals in both of his AFL games and was on St Kilda’s list from 2014-2015, but certainly wasn’t the prodigious talent both the club and its fans were hoping for, despite a three-goal return in his debut game against Richmond.
In the end the pressure heaped on him proved too great, some foolishly even labelling White a younger Buddy Franklin. But White’s second appearance in the final home and away game of 2014 would prove to be his last.
What about Arryn Sippos? Sure, Sippos had talent. But he never tore the game apart, and when the pressure came from fans praying he’d be the next big thing, he couldn’t live up to the hype, ending up playing just 28 games in four seasons.
White and Sippos were unlucky in the sense they were brought into a team devoid of success, but still boasting the benchmark forward in the league in Riewoldt. The inevitable comparison to him, and to the likes of Franklin, was the last thing these young men needed.
What if King was lost to the game because he was rushed in before he was ready and couldn’t handle what the AFL dished up? Saints fans would be livid. Sure, the early signs would suggest King is a lot more talented than either White or Sippos, but it’s still year one. Give him time.
3. Who does King replace?
Bringing King into the side is all well and good, but it also means dropping someone to make way, and currently at least, the Saints’ forwards aren’t doing too badly.
Tim Membrey has taken 52 marks at an average of 5.2 this season and proves a handful for defenders due to his contested marking ability. He’s also kicked 20 goals and is a key focal point for the Saints. He stays.
Josh Bruce had a slow start to the season but took seven contested marks against West Coast in round eight and continues to be an option up the ground for the Saints. He stays.
They are your talls. And small forwards? Dean Kent is having an outstanding season, his tackling and contested ball winning ability massive for the Saints, and also allowing Jack Billings and Jade Gresham to spend more time midfield this season.
Jack Newnes, Blake Acres, Matthew Parker and Robbie Young can also play those support forward roles.
Where does King fit in to this? At this point in time, he doesn’t, and that’s OK. St Kilda fans need to realise he is a long-termer, someone who treated and developed with caution, could end up proving a worthwhile replacement for the previous owner of the No.12 guernsey.
They need to be patient, not selfish. Allow King to play VFL all this season, and to develop free from pressure. When he is ready to go, the wait may well have been worth it.
