Max King's trip to the Gold Coast has been explained as a change of scenery as the St Kilda key forward aims for his long-awaited AFL comeback.
Saints coach Ross Lyon also said anyone putting too much weight on the club's published timeline for King's return is living in a fool's paradise, given the inexact science of injury rehabilitation.
King, one of the Saints' most important players, has not played in the AFL since 2024 because of a persistent knee problem. Now he is recovering from a hamstring injury and rebuilding his fitness.
His twin brother Ben plays for Gold Coast and leads the Coleman Medal with 38 goals.
"It's just part of his rehab, a change of environment. His brother is up there, so some real nourishment for him and a connection there," Lyon said before Friday morning training.