King’s run from hell continues; ‘interesting’ detail in Merrett contract talks — AFL Latest

A star Saint’s long-awaited return has been delayed once more.

Plus, the “interesting” detail in Zach Merrett’s reported talks over a contract extension at Essendon.

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Max King’s return has been delayed once again, less than a month out from St Kilda’s season opener.

After his 2025 campaign was cruelled by persistent knee troubles, King’s latest setback comes in the form of a low-grade calf injury - casting more doubt over his ability to make an early impact in the year.

The Saints confirmed on Monday morning that the spearhead goalkicker is set to miss two-to-three weeks.

“Max has put together a solid block of work this pre-season and it is disappointing for him to face this setback albeit on the lower end of the scale,” EGM Football Lenny Hayes said.

“However, we remain optimistic and will do everything we can to support Max and have him back in full training as soon as possible.”

It’s especially unfortunate as King had reintegrated into main training - after spending much of the summer in the rehab group - having missed all of last season and not playing since Round 16, 2024.

It’d been revealed that King was one of 58 players to earn $1 million-plus last year with his front-ended contract.

The Saints host Collingwood in Round 1 at the MCG on March 8.

‘INTERESTING’ DETAIL IN SHOCK MERRETT TALKS

Shock talks over a Zach Merrett Essendon extension began in December, and after ramping up in February, the Dons are “now in considerations” over what a new deal could look like.

AFL Media’s Cal Twomey reported late last week that Merrett was “open” to signing a new Bombers deal despite his previous discontent with the club.

The star midfielder’s current deal - a six-year contract - runs through the 2027 season, and despite seeking an exit last October, he clearly hasn’t ruled out remaining a Bomber long term.

Merrett changed managers after his move to Hawthorn fell flat on trade deadline day, leaving Tom Petroro to link back up with Nick Gieschen.

“There’s preliminary talks that have gone on between (Essendon and Merrett’s camp) - and this is the interesting point - these preliminary talks actually started in December, and then again as recently as this month,” Twomey told SEN Breakfast on Monday.

“And across that period, pre-Christmas and post-Christmas, he’s had two different management groups. He made that management switch back to his original manager, Nick Gieschen, in January.

“That’s a reasonable starting point that there’s an interest to see what Essendon would be willing to do, and Essendon’s now in considerations about what that potential contract extension could look like.

“There’s still many steps to go before he signs on and is a Bomber for life, but it’s certainly a starting point in terms of being able to assimilate back into the footy club.”

One of the most durable and consistent high-performers in the competition, five-time Crichton medallist Merrett averaged 27.8 disposals across 22 games last year.

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