MAX KING could return to AFL action as soon as next week as St Kilda seeks to cement a top-eight spot in a tough run home.
King has missed two matches with a shoulder injury that coach Ross Lyon initially thought would end his star forward's season.
The 23-year-old had an arthroscopy on the troublesome shoulder, avoiding a reconstruction, and was subsequently expected to be sidelined for four weeks.
But Lyon said King has since taken steps forward on the training track.
The 202cm spearhead won't play against Hawthorn on Sunday but is pushing to make a direct return to the senior side against Carlton in round 21.
"He's an outside chance for next week," Lyon told reporters on Wednesday.
"He's progressing really well ... he's doing a bit of joining in early (with) football stuff."
In a further boost to the sixth-placed Saints' finals hopes, fellow tall forward Tim Membrey is also nearing an AFL return.
The experienced goalkicker, who last played in round nine, will make his comeback from a knee injury in the reserves this week.
"He's had long-term rehab, he's progressing beautifully," Lyon said.
"It's been significant not having him and Max nearly all year and we've been really a tender age in our front half.
"We're excited where Tim's got himself to ... he's worked really hard."
Membrey and King combined for 86 goals under former coach Brett Ratten last year but injuries have prevented them from featuring in the same team this season.
"If we can get them back at the pointy end, that would be nice," Lyon said.
Zaine Cordy (concussion) and Jack Hayes (hamstring) are available for selection against Hawthorn as St Kilda looks to build on last week's scrappy eight-point win over North Melbourne.
The Saints will start favourites but Lyon is wary of an "elite" Hawks midfield, led by James Worpel and rising star Jai Newcombe.
On paper, there are even tougher tests ahead for St Kilda in the run home.
The Saints face fellow finals hopefuls Carlton, Richmond and Geelong, as well as genuine flag contender Brisbane, over the final month of the home and away season.
