King has not played since round 14 last season, after battling continual achilles problems, but looks finally set to return for Sunday’s big home clash against in-form Melbourne at Skilled Stadium.
“If he gets through training and pulls up well tomorrow, he’ll play,” Thompson said of his number one ruckman at training on Wednesday.
Thompson described King’s imminent return as “super” for his club.
“We are (ranked) 16th on hit-outs (this season) and he is our captain and it will give us a lot of enthusiasm and first use of the ball, which we haven’t had.”
However Thompson warned excited fans not to expect too much, too soon from King.
“We will have to manage his time (in the ruck) and whether we rest him up forward or on the bench, but it will probably be more on the bench.
“But if he is going well, we may give him more time (on the ball) in one quarter.”
Thompson said King was desperate to return, with the Cats’ back in the top eight after three wins in their past four games.
“He has been waiting a long time,” Thompson said.
“He is our captain and he has been depressed and frustrated that he hasn’t been able to help out.”
“But he is really excited now and it (his return) will inject some real enthusiasm into the group.”
