Gold Coast Football Club received a scare during their mid-season bye as star forward Ben King suffered an injury during training, raising concerns about his knee. King, who missed the entire 2022 season due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), fell to the ground on Saturday, prompting immediate attention from the Suns’ medical staff.
Initial assessments provided some relief as it appeared that King’s ACL remained intact, alleviating fears of a recurrence of a serious knee injury. However, to accurately gauge the extent of the damage, King was scheduled for further scans. The club awaits the results of these scans with cautious optimism, hoping they will confirm no significant injury.
Currently, Ben King stands as a pivotal figure for Gold Coast, having contributed 38 goals this season, placing him jointly at the top of the Coleman Medal race alongside Carlton’s Charlie Curnow. His scoring prowess has been crucial for the Suns under new coach Damien Hardwick, as they strive for their inaugural finals appearance.
At the mid-season break, Gold Coast finds themselves just outside the top eight with a record of 7 wins and 6 losses. Their upcoming schedule includes a challenging away fixture against Fremantle at Optus Stadium on June 23, underscoring the importance of King’s fitness and availability for the team’s playoff aspirations.
The injury scare serves as a reminder of the fragility and unpredictability of professional sports, particularly concerning players returning from significant injuries. For Gold Coast, the hope is that Ben King’s latest setback proves to be minor, allowing him to resume his crucial role in the team’s campaign for success this season.
