- The players’ preparations for the preliminary final were shaken
- The coach is fit to take charge at the West Coast Eagles
- He will not be available for Geelong on Saturday.
Geelong assistant coach Steven King has been discharged from hospital following Friday’s medical episode that rocked the AFL club’s players.
King collapsed during training on the eve of the Cats’ preliminary final against Brisbane at the MCG.
The 45-year-old former Geelong captain was treated by the club’s medical staff before being taken to hospital, where he remained overnight.
The club confirmed on Saturday that Chris Scott’s right-hand man, one of the leading candidates to become West Coast’s next coach, has been given the green light to return home.
King will not be in the coaching box for Saturday’s big game that will determine who advances to the grand final against Sydney.
Geelong Cats assistant coach Steven King has been discharged from hospital following a medical incident at training.
Cats players were shocked to see their coach collapse in front of them as they prepared for their preliminary final against the Brisbane Lions.
Head of development Nigel Lappin and VFL coach Mark Corrigan will now join Scott in the box.
“The club’s first and foremost priority has been Steven’s health and providing support to his family,” Cats head football manager Andrew Mackie said.
“We are glad that he is now home and can take some time to rest and recover.”
Scott, speaking on Friday, described the incident as “quite confrontational.”
“It’s disconcerting and it has an impact on the players,” Scott said.
“I don’t think that in these cases we should pretend that nothing is happening. What we have to do is face the current situation.
“Once again, the feedback is really positive, so we will do our best to focus on that positive.”
Geelong Cats coach Christ Scott speaks with general manager of football Andrew Mackie at the training session.
King played 193 games for Geelong between 1996 and 2007, before moving to St Kilda, where he appeared in 47 games between 2008 and 2010.
Over the course of his career, he scored 83 goals, won a championship with Geelong in 2007 and was named to the All-Australian team in 2000.
King returned to Geelong as an assistant coach last October after two seasons with the Gold Coast Suns, where he served as interim coach for the final seven games of 2023 following the departure of Stuart Dew.
He also coached at St Kilda in 2011 and spent 10 years with the Western Bulldogs, contributing to their 2016 championship win.
He is currently one of the last candidates being considered to replace Adam Simpson as head coach of the Eagles.
King will not be available for the Cats during their grand final qualifying match on Saturday.
“The West Coast Eagles are aware of a medical incident involving Geelong assistant coach and senior coaching candidate Steven King at the Cats’ training session,” the Eagles said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with Steven, his family and the Geelong Football Club. Steven’s health is our priority and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
The club’s sentiments were echoed by hundreds of football fans who posted well wishes for King.
“We wish Steven King and his family all the best during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with him and the Geelong Football Club,” one posted.
“We hope he recovers and returns to Geelong as soon as possible depending on what happens with the next coaching appointment, which could be him,” said one Eagles fan.
“I’m glad to hear he’s okay, I wish him a speedy recovery and a return to action soon,” posted another.