FRESH from his eight-goal haul in the TAC Cup last week, key forward prospect Max King is keen for his next challenge as he takes on North Melbourne's VFL side on Saturday.
The exciting talent, who shapes as one of several key contenders for the No.1 pick at this year's national draft, will play for the NAB AFL Academy against the Roos at the MCG in a curtain-raiser to the Melbourne and North Melbourne clash later during the day.
King will enter the contest with strong form under his belt, having booted 8.5 for the Sandringham Dragons against the Oakleigh Chargers last week. The 200cm 17-year-old had 19 disposals, was unstoppable in the air (he took nine marks) and was in a commanding mood near goal.
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It was King's first game of the season after missing round one with a toe issue, but he said returning to make an immediate statement was satisfying.
"It felt pretty good. It was a good start to the year and nice to get my confidence up early. [When you're playing like that] you feel confident in your ability, but every game you have to go in thinking you're going to play really well," he told AFL.com.au this week.
"It was pretty hard missing the week before and seeing the boys playing, but I was excited to get back out there and play the game I love."
King's athleticism and footy nous puts him clearly in the best bunch of players available to clubs this season, with South Australian tall Jack Lukosius and Geelong Falcons midfielder Sam Walsh widely viewed as the other main options for the first pick at November's draft.
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King's twin brother Ben is also a top-10 chance, having played predominantly as a key defender. He was excellent last week as well, gathering 20 disposals and nine grabs.
Max said it was hard to ignore the talk about his AFL hopes and the likelihood of his place near the top of the draft order.
"People do mention it, but that's all part of it," he said. "I try not to read or watch too much about it, and you can't get too caught up in all of it. I just focus on how I go week to week."
That focus has seen King identify ways to continue to get better this year, including improving his body work so as not to rely on getting a free jump at the ball in marking contests.
He might be tested on that front against the Roos' VFL side in the Academy's clash, which will be the first time King has played against senior opposition.
Max King is already adding weight to his body, seen here in the 2017 TAC Cup. Picture: AFL Photos
However, he did train with Melbourne during the pre-season as part of the Academy's program and wowed many senior Demons players throughout his short stint.
"It's going to be a good challenge for me, so I'm looking forward to playing against men," he said.
The game will start at the MCG at 11.05am AEST, with the likes of WA's Ian Hill, South Australian Connor Rozee and Tasmanian pair Chayce Jones and Tarryn Thomas among the players to watch.
There will be three father-son prospects also in action, with Nick Blakey (Brisbane/North Melbourne), Baily Scott (Geelong/North Melbourne) and Rhylee West (Western Bulldogs) all set to feature. Blakey (Sydney) and Scott (Gold Coast) are also eligible to join their respective clubs as northern Academy players at this year's draft.
