ST KILDA forward Max King will be sidelined for six weeks in the latest setback for the injury-plagued star forward.

King limped from the ground in Saturday's VFL clash against Carlton, and scans have today confirmed a strain.

Having not played an AFL game since round 16, 2024, King had been pushing for a return to the seniors after overcoming multiple knee and calf setbacks.

In his second VFL game in six days, the 25-year-old kicked two early goals against Carlton at Ikon Park and was pressing his case for a long-awaited senior recall.

"It's unfortunate for Max, particularly given the work he's put in to return to play," Saints footy boss Lenny Hayes said.

"We're not going to take any risks with Max given his recent injury history, he'll now focus on completing his rehab and conditioning block to ensure he’s in a strong position when he returns."

King isn't the only Saint facing a stint on the sideline, with Paddy Dow entering concussion protocols after suffering a concussion in the latter stages of Saturday's VFL game.

Dan Butler will miss three to four weeks after suffering a low-grade hamstring strain on Saturday night against Carlton. 

Forward Jack Higgins, who was a late out for the clash with the Blues, is also in concussion protocols.

The Saints, powered by an eight-goal third term, kicked a triple-figure tally for the fourth time this season in their big win over Carlton.

It squared their win-loss record at 4-4, but coach Ross Lyon's mood in the aftermath was tempered by news of King's injury hours earlier.

"I was watching it, he was looking good," Lyon said.

"I did speak about it during the week; that was the risk after such a long lay-off.

"We're trying to manage that soft tissue, so he'll be disappointed, but he's overcome bigger things."

In King's ongoing absence, St Kilda continued to find plenty of avenues to goal against Carlton.

Ruck pair Rowan Marshall (three goals) and Tom De Koning (two), Mitch Owens (three), Liam Henry (three) and Cooper Sharman (two) all provided options.

The Saints have now hit triple figures in half of their eight games this season, having done so just once last year, and are scoring at an average of 96 points per game (up from 80 in 2025).

St Kilda will finish round eight in a 'wildcard' position but face serious obstacles in the coming weeks, starting with Gold Coast in Darwin on Saturday.

Then a clash with Richmond is followed by successive encounters with current top-three sides Fremantle (away), Hawthorn and Sydney (away).

"We've got a bit in front of us. We'll find out what we're made of," Lyon said.