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Late changes, King's return mark high-stakes North-Saints clash

St Kilda made two late changes before the bounce against North Melbourne, with Rowan Marshall (back spasm) and Cooper Sharman (managed) replaced. Max King plays his first AFL game in 756 days, drawing criticism from Kane Cornes. Both teams are 8-10, fighting for finals.

TakeTack Desk 2 hr ago
Late changes, King's return mark high-stakes North-Saints clash

Late changes, King's return mark high-stakes North-Saints clash

The short answer

The North Melbourne vs St Kilda AFL Round 20 match features two teams tied at 8-10, both clinging to finals hopes. St Kilda made two late changes: Rowan Marshall (back spasm) replaced by Anthony Caminiti, and Cooper Sharman (managed) out for Dan Butler. Max King returns for his first AFL game since Round 16, 2024, after repeated injuries. Kane Cornes called the move 'desperate'. North Melbourne also lost Luke McDonald to a calf injury, replaced by Griffin Logue.

Why it's trending

The match is trending due to the return of St Kilda forward Max King after 756 days out with injury, combined with late changes to both lineups and the playoff implications as both teams sit 8-10.

ST KILDA has made two late changes ahead of its crucial AFL clash with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium, with star ruckman Rowan Marshall ruled out with a back spasm and replaced by Anthony Caminiti, while Cooper Sharman (managed) was replaced by Dan Butler, according to afl.com.au. The Saints also recalled Max King for his first AFL game in 756 days.

King, 26, has not played since Round 16, 2024, after battling knee, calf and hamstring injuries. Kane Cornes questioned the decision on SEN, calling it a 'desperate move' and expressing doubt he could 'play uninterrupted.' The club opted for a conditioning block rather than VFL match practice.

North Melbourne also made changes: Luke McDonald (calf) was replaced by Griffin Logue, and Riley Hardeman was omitted for Zac Banch. Both teams sit at 8-10, with the Kangaroos having lost three straight and the Saints failing to beat a top-10 side this season.

The match carries significant finals implications. North Melbourne's wildcard hopes are 'hanging by a thread' (afl.com.au), while St Killac is well-placed with four matches against teams below them. Sportsbet analysts previewed the game as a must-win for both sides.

Timeline

  1. Cooper Sharman ruled out

    St Kilda replaces Sharman (managed) with Dan Butler approximately one hour before bounce (afl.com.au, Fox Sports).

  2. Rowan Marshall ruled out

    Marshall (back spasm) replaced by Anthony Caminiti (afl.com.au). North Melbourne also confirms Luke McDonald (calf) out for Griffin Logue.

  3. Match begins at Marvel Stadium

    St Kilda's Max King plays his first AFL game since Round 16, 2024 (756-day gap). Both teams 8-10.

Questions people ask

Why is Max King's return significant?

King, the former No.4 draft pick, has not played an AFL match since Round 16, 2024 (756 days) due to recurring knee, calf and hamstring injuries. His return is considered high-risk by some analysts.

What are the finals implications?

Both teams are 8-10. North Melbourne's wildcard hopes are fading after three straight losses, while St Kilda has a favorable run home against bottom-half sides and can keep finals in their own hands.

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