Star St Kilda forward Max King has been ruled out for the rest of the 2024 season after revelations he played out last Sunday’s loss to Port Adelaide with a serious knee injury.

The 23-year-old tore the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee just after halftime but stayed on to help his team that suffered a heartbreaking two-point loss.

It’s the same knee that King injured earlier this season, but the injuries are believed to be unrelated.

“This is a very disappointing outcome for Max,” executive general manager of football David Misson said.

“It’s a credit to Max’s commitment to his teammates that he played out the game on Sunday, but for his long-term future and health, it’s important we now give his knee some time to rest and recover.

“While this will see Max miss the rest of the season, pleasingly he doesn’t require surgery, and this course of action will place him in the best possible position to attack pre-season.”

King went goalless against Port and struggled late in the game, with the injury revelation painting a clear picture as to why.

The key forward is contracted for another two years at the Saints and has been in talks on a potential long-term extension, which may now have to wait has he recovers.

St Kilda is 15th on the ladder with just five wins for the season.