AFL 2024: Steven King opens up on collapse which rocked Geelong

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Geelong assistant coach Steven King says he “cooked myself in the altitude room” before his scary collapse in front of players the day before the Cats’ preliminary final.

King, who missed out this week on the West Coast senior coach job to Andrew McQualter, said he had no long-term concerns over his health from the incident, which was likely caused by dehydration.

The former Geelong captain said he was “a bit embarrassed” by the dramatic incident, which coach Chris Scott conceded had impacted the Cats in their 10-point loss to Brisbane.

“I just cooked myself in the altitude room, and did a wattbike with (Cats chief executive) Steve Hocking in the morning (with the room set to) 4000m above sea level … skipped breakfast, had a long black and off minimal sleep from the night before, from flying in late from Perth, I’ve just cooked myself,” King told AFL Trade Radio on Tuesday.

Geelong assistant coach Steven King says dehydration likely caused him to collapse at Cats training before the preliminary final. Michael Willson / AFL Photos Credit: Supplied

“Rushed off to hospital, it was probably a bit more scary than what it was, but all the tests came back fine and I’ve just probably got to realise now that I’m closer to 50 than I am 40.

“I’ve just got to be a bit more sensible with the way I train, and not smash myself every day.”

King, 45, said he watched the preliminary final on the couch with “Champion Data up on my computer” as he exchanged texts with list boss Andrew Mackie during the game.

“I declared myself fit to go, but Geelong being a quality organisation, they made sure of my welfare first and foremost,” he said.

“(Watching from home) was the hardest two hours of the year, to be honest.”

King, who replaced Stuart Dew as Gold Coast’s interim coach in the final seven games of 2023, said the experience had “lit a fire” in him and he would continue to pursue a senior coaching role after missing out on the Eagles post to McQualter.

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Andrew. He’s a good mate of mine, fantastic appointment from West Coast,” King said.

“To be honest, I was thrilled to be invited to apply for the process. It was the first time I’ve actually put myself out there in that situation, and I’ve learnt a lot about myself.

“From that point of view, it’s been a really worthwhile process for me, and I know I’ll be a better coach from this experience.

“I wouldn’t change a thing the way I did, obviously they saw Andrew as a better fit and I’m sure that he’ll do a great job there.

“I’m not in any rush (to leave Geelong). I think the right opportunity will present itself down the track.”

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