Max King, the star forward for St Kilda, has sustained a low-grade calf muscle injury, which has pushed back his expected return to the AFL by two to three weeks. This latest setback adds to the frustration for King, who suffered multiple knee injuries last year, resulting in no game time. The team remains hopeful that this injury, while unfortunate, is less severe compared to his previous issues that plagued his career.

On the other hand, Port Adelaide's ruckman Ivan Soldo faces a much graver situation. He has been ruled out of the entirety of the 2026 season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during a training session. This injury presents a significant challenge for Soldo, as he was in a contract year. His absence will be keenly felt by the team as they navigate the season without one of their key players.

Looking ahead, the AFL is set to host the State of Origin match this Saturday, where Western Australia will compete against Victoria at Perth Stadium. This event will provide a platform for other players to showcase their skills while teams adjust their rosters due to injuries like those of King and Soldo. The league continues to emphasize the importance of player health and safety, particularly in light of such serious injuries affecting key talents.