Team Whispers: King’s Return Confirmed, Hawks Confirm Key Change – Magpies Call on Skipper, Hill Returns for Anzac Day Clash – Injury Updates Ahead of Bombers vs. Magpies – Moore Bullish Despite Backman Loss, Confident for Anzac Day Return

St Kilda forward Max King has been confirmed to return to action ahead of the upcoming AFL season, marking a significant boost for the Saints as they prepare for their Round Seven clash. The announcement comes amid a flurry of injury updates and team news across the league, with several clubs confirming key player returns and others dealing with fresh setbacks.

King’s return follows a period on the sidelines due to injury, though specific details of his absence were not disclosed in the initial reports. His availability is expected to strengthen St Kilda’s forward line, providing both experience and goal-scoring threat as the Saints look to build momentum in the early part of the 2026 season.

Meanwhile, the Hawthorn Hawks have confirmed a key change to their lineup, though the nature of the adjustment — whether involving player inclusion, exclusion, or tactical shift — was not specified in the source material. The update suggests the Hawks are finalising their preparations for upcoming fixtures, with coaching staff making adjustments based on player fitness and form.

Max King’s return to action has been confirmed.

In related developments across the league, Collingwood are set to welcome back a star player for their Anzac Day fixture against Essendon, while also managing the inclusion of a key recruit in what is shaping up to be a blockbuster Easter Thursday clash to open Round Six. The Magpies continue to navigate pre-season injury concerns, with one player having sustained and re-injured a hamstring during limited match action.

Essendon, meanwhile, have been dealt an injury blow ahead of the Anzac Day encounter, losing a backman to further complications. The Bombers’ defensive stocks have been tested early in the season, with recurring fitness issues affecting their backline depth. Coach feedback suggested cautious optimism regarding other players’ progress, though the latest setback adds to the club’s injury management challenges.

Collingwood captain Darcy Moore has expressed confidence in his own availability for the Anzac Day match, stating he is “feeling good” and backed by the club’s medical staff to take the field. His leadership will be pivotal if he does play, especially in a high-stakes match that carries significant historical weight in the AFL calendar.

Across the broader competition, clubs are finalising team selections as the season progresses, with injury updates and player availability becoming increasingly influential in coaching decisions. Debuts are being confirmed for several young players, while others are being ruled in or out based on fitness assessments.

The AFL season continues to unfold amid the usual ebb and flow of player movements, with clubs balancing short-term needs against long-term planning. As teams head into the midpoint of the home-and-away season, consistency and squad depth are emerging as key factors in early performance trends.