Geelong players get health update on assistant coach Steven King who collapsed at training ahead of AFL grand

Geelong assistant coach Steven King has been released from the hospital following a terrifying collapse during the team’s training session on Friday, just one day before their highly anticipated AFL preliminary final against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG. The sudden medical episode sent shockwaves through the Cats’ camp as they prepare for one of their biggest matches of the year.

King, 45, was immediately attended to by the club’s medical staff and rushed to the hospital, where he was kept overnight for observation. The former Geelong captain, widely regarded as a front-runner to become the next head coach of the West Coast Eagles, has since been discharged and is now recovering at home. Despite his release, King will not be available for Saturday’s crucial clash, which will determine who advances to the grand final.

In a statement, Geelong’s football manager Andrew Mackie confirmed that King was doing well but needed time to recover. “First and foremost, the club’s priority has been Steven’s health and providing support to his family. We are pleased he is now at home and taking some time to rest and recover.”

The collapse left players visibly shaken, with Geelong head coach Chris Scott describing the incident as “quite confronting.” “It’s upsetting and it has an impact on the players,” Scott said. “We don’t pretend that things like this aren’t happening—we have to deal with them and focus on the positives. The feedback has been really good, and that’s where we’re putting our energy.”

As King recuperates, head of development Nigel Lappin and VFL coach Mark Corrigan will step up to assist Scott in the coaches’ box for Saturday’s blockbuster match.

King’s health scare comes at a pivotal moment in his career, as he is considered one of the top candidates to replace Adam Simpson as the head coach of the West Coast Eagles. The Eagles released a statement extending their well-wishes: “Our thoughts are with Steven, his family, and the Geelong Football Club. Steven’s health is the priority, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

King’s playing career saw him appear in 193 games for Geelong between 1996 and 2007, before moving to St Kilda for a further 47 matches. He was part of Geelong’s 2007 premiership-winning team and earned All-Australian honors in 2000. After transitioning to coaching, King spent time with St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs, and the Gold Coast Suns, before returning to Geelong last year.

Fans across the AFL community have flooded social media with messages of support for King, praising his dedication and expressing hopes for his swift recovery. “Wishing Steven King and his family all the best during this challenging time,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Glad to hear he’s okay, wishing him a very swift recovery.”

While King’s absence will be keenly felt on Saturday, the Cats will now focus on the task ahead as they face the Brisbane Lions for a spot in the grand final. The health of their assistant coach will undoubtedly weigh heavy on their minds, but the team is determined to rally in his honor as they prepare for the critical showdown.