St Kilda Saints' key forward Max King is reportedly on the brink of signing a massive contract extension with the club, despite a challenging year plagued by recent injury and form issues.

Fox Footy's David Zita has revealed that the deal is expected to be over six years, securing King's future with the Saints.

This news comes shortly after a devastating knee injury prematurely ended King's 2024 season.

Speculations about King's future have been rampant, with trade rumors swirling, particularly following his struggles to find form this year.

Former Essendon great Matthew Lloyd even suggested a potential end-of-year meeting between King and the club to discuss a possible move.

However, St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has unequivocally expressed his confidence in King's potential and long-term value to the team.

Lyon has drawn parallels between King and AFL legends like Charlie Curnow and Adam Goodes, who both overcame significant injuries to become icons or legends of the game.

"I was at Sydney when [Goodes] tore a PCL through and then won the Brownlow the next year," Lyon recalled.

"It's certainly not going to be a restriction."

"There's a lot of noise around Max, a lot of criticism, and that's fair enough.

"But I thought it was a really courageous effortโ€”a clear tear of the PCL, right through. He wanted to try to keep playing, that's how determined he is."

Lyon highlighted King's impressive metrics compared to other key forwards at the same stage in their careers, indicating that King is "on track or ahead."

He emphasised the importance of providing King with better support and a solid run without injuries.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 12: Max King of the Saints reacts after missing a goaduring the round 22 AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium on August 12, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

"No matter how good a footballer you are, you're only a footballer," Lyon said, commending King's character and commitment both on and off the field.

"He's fully committed and we're fully committed to him. I'm really bullish on what he'll deliver long-term for the Saints."

As St Kilda prepares for their upcoming match against Sydney, the club remains optimistic and confident that their young star will overcome the setbacks and live up to the legendary number 12 guernsey.