Geelong assistant coach Steven King has been discharged from hospital, but won’t be at today’s preliminary final against Brisbane.
King suffered a medical episode at training on Friday, suddenly dropping to the ground when in conversation with superstar forward Jeremy Cameron.
The 45-year-old was quickly attended to by medical staff and paramedics took him to the Epworth Geelong Hospital in Waurn Ponds.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
He spent the night in hospital, but was given the all clear by doctors and released this morning
“King has been discharged from hospital and will watch today’s prelim from home,” 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary said.
“Cats development boss Nigel Lappin and VFL coach Mark Corrigan will step into the coaches’ box today in his absence.”
Geelong general manager of football Andrew Mackie added: “First and foremast 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.”
Geelong coach Chris Scott addressed the “upsetting situation” on Friday.
“We’re just trying to stay calm and prioritise the right things which for us are to ensure we do everything we can to support Steven,” Scott said.
“I don’t want to say too much that might not be accurate. I think it’s reasonable at the moment, even before we’ve had the chance to speak to Steven directly, for us to prioritise his health.
“It would be irresponsible for us to even consider him to be around over the next 24 hours or so.
“In these situations it does reinforce that there is the right thing that supersedes football. I suspect if he is feeling good, he will be disappointed to hear that news.
“Even if he isn’t feeling great, he’ll be disappointed because he is a competitor … It’s upsetting (and) it has impacted the players.
“Even at this pointy end of the season, it reinforces to us what the right thing is over lesser priorities.”
Scott said it was a stressful time of year and King was a “workaholic”.
“He’s a resilient character … (I’m) confident he can bounce back … The character I know, he’ll be fine,” Scott said.
On top of having a hand in the Cats’ finals preparations, King is one of the leading contenders to take on the vacant senior coaching position at West Coast.
The former Geelong captain had been in Western Australia to be interviewed by the Eagles panel, and flew back to Melbourne on Thursday night.
“Our thoughts are with Steven, his family and the Geelong Football Club,” West Coast said in a statement.
“Steven’s health is the priority, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
The Cats and Lions square off later on Saturday with the winner to face Sydney in next week’s AFL grand final.