St Kilda spearhead Max King has made a successful return from injury in the Saints’ Round 5 VFL clash with Gold Coast at RSEA Park after 665 days on the sidelines.

In his first game at any level since Round 16, 2024, King played limited minutes but looked lively from the opening, competing hard and presenting a strong option for St Kilda’s ball users.

King threw himself into a groundball contest in the opening term to alleviate any concerns of his physical status, before backing up with a clean mark on the lead moments later.

But it was the travelling Suns who spoiled the party, running out 96-61 victors, outscoring the Saints in each of the final three terms.

After taking the lead early in the second quarter through a crafty Jayden Davey finish out of congestion, the Saints were overrun late in the half as Gold Coast recorded the next six scoring shots to create the winning buffer.

Young Saint Tobie Travaglia’s move to the midfield proved a masterstroke in the third term, lighting up Moorabbin with his run-and-carry and kicking an impressive goal from outside the arc to keep his side in touching distance at the final break.

A five-goal-to-one final term saw the Suns cruise home with the four points, with AFL-listed midfielders Alex Davies and Sam Clohesy proving a dominant pairing on the day.

Jack Macrae (31 disposals, 9 tackles, 5 clearances) and Paddy Dow (25 disposals, 8 clearances) fought hard in the clinches for the home side, while Alix Tauru (10 intercepts, 8 marks) showcased his aerial prowess in defence.

Liam Henry (15 disposals, 1 goal) continued his gradual improvement after missing a large chunk of action through knee concerns, providing exciting outside run and producing a mercurial finish from the boundary in the second term.

Kye Fincher (31 disposals), Angus Hastie (30) and Hugh Boxshall (23) were also busy throughout the contest.

The loss leaves St Kilda with a 1-4 record on the season ahead of their Round 6 clash with Carlton at IKON Park on Saturday.

MATCH FACTS

ST KILDA 3.2 5.4 7.8 8.13 (61)
GOLD COAST 3.2 6.5 9.8 14.12 (96)

GOALS

Saints: McKenzie 2, Travaglia, Said, Maginness, Henry, Davey, Clarke

Suns: Gulbin 2, Enders 2, Eastham 2, Clohesy 2, Bell 2, Moyle, Knobel, Evans, Davies

TOP PLAYER STATS

Jack Macrae – 31 disposals, 9 tackles, 5 clearances

Kye Fincher – 31 disposals, 9 marks, 6 intercepts

Alix Tauru – 16 disposals, 8 marks, 10 intercepts

Angus Hastie – 30 disposals, 7 marks, 5 intercepts, 4 tackles

Paddy Dow – 25 disposals, 8 clearances