ST KILDA has lost young gun Max King for its pivotal encounter with Hawthorn on Sunday, with the promising forward managed for the clash at Metricon Stadium.

The Saints, who face a must-win series of matches in order to finally break their finals drought, are already without fellow key forward Tim Membrey who is dealing with a fractured finger.

SAINTS v HAWKS Follow it live from 1.05pm AEST

King's absence adds to the side's attacking woes, with former Geelong ruckman Ryan Abbott named as his replacement in what will be his first game in St Kilda colours after switching clubs last October.

Hawthorn is unchanged from the side it earlier this weekend, which featured seven alterations from the team that was defeated by the previously winless Adelaide last Tuesday.

Damon Greaves has been named for his debut, while Dylan Moore, Harry Morrison, Josh Morris, Liam Shiels, Sam Frost and Will Day are also among the numerous inclusions.