Gold Coast's Ben King in doubt for Fremantle clash due to knee injury - "Obviously we won't take any risks"

Gold Coast Suns star spearhead Ben King suffered a knee injury last week and will need to undergo a fitness test sometime this week to determine his availability for the upcoming match against the Fremantle Dockers this weekend. Gold Coast’s footy boss Wayne Campbell spoke about his recovery, ensuring that all decisions made would be in King’s best interest.

King’s fitness tests are reportedly scheduled for Gold Coast’s main training session on Thursday, just before Sunday’s clash with the Dockers.

The 23-year-old spearhead sent a huge scare through the Suns on Saturday when he hurt his left knee following an awkward landing at training. King has played a pivotal role and remains one of the most important players in the club’s journey to the finals this season.

Reports indicated that he sustained some bone bruising, but nothing severe. Judging by his recovery speed, he just might have a chance to play in the club’s next fixture.

King, who is a joint leader in the race for this season’s Coleman Medal with 38 goals, will not be present at Gold Coast’s training early this week.

Suns Football manager Wayne Campbell told AFL.com.au that the knee swelling must subside before King can participate in the team's main training session. He said:

"He's definitely a chance to play this week. Obviously, we won't take any risks, but if he trains ok on Thursday, he'll play."

The Suns (7-6) are only one step away from the top eight at their mid-season bye.

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Gold Coast Suns’ Ben King’s ACL injury re-aggravated?

AFL Rd 12 - Suns v Essendon

Gold Coast Suns star Ben King missed the 2022 season owing to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. Doctors proposed the possibility of a recurrence judging by his test results, which scans later confirmed. King had to undergo a knee reconstruction in 2022 and has since returned to the field strong.

After a bad fall during the Suns' training on Saturday, Suns coach Damien Hardwick among others feared the possibility of an ACL rupture, but scans showed it was a slight bruise to the bone and he has since been declared free of any major damage.

Ben King has been one of the Suns’ stars all season after a successful return in the 2023 season, during which he ended with 40 majors from 20 games, clinching the club’s Lead Goalkicking Award for the third time in his career.

Matched by Charlie Curnrow of the Carlton Blues, King is the joint leader in this season’s Coleman Medal race with 38 goals.