Ross Lyon acknowledges that key forward Max King is unlikely to play in Thursday’s match against the Western Bulldogs due to a knee issue sustained over the weekend.
King injured his knee during a marking contest at the three-quarter time siren in Saturday’s game against GWS. Despite the Saints’ last-ditch effort to almost secure a win against the undefeated Giants, King’s condition puts his availability for the upcoming match in doubt, especially with a short turnaround.
Lyon stated that while there’s no structural damage, King’s fitness will need to be assessed before making a final decision. He emphasized the importance of King to the team but expressed confidence in other players like Anthony Caminiti and Tim Membrey to step up if necessary.
Additionally, Dougal Howard’s return from a hamstring strain adds another selection consideration for the Saints. With defensive options like Zaine Cordy, Josh Battle, and Callum Wilkie performing well, Lyon faces a dilemma in deciding whether to introduce Howard to counter the Bulldogs’ tall forwards.
Despite the Bulldogs’ recent form, Lyon expects a tough challenge and isn’t swayed by external opinions. He stressed the need for both teams to focus on improvement and consistency throughout the season.
While the Saints have shown resilience in their comeback efforts, Lyon emphasized the importance of sustained performance and avoiding reliance on late rallies to secure wins.
