The key forward almost dragged the Saints to victory in Perth last Saturday with a career-high six-goal haul.

It continued King's love-affair of playing the Eagles, after he kicked five goals in the Saints' round-four win.

The 21-year-old is already spearheading St Kilda's forward line and the No.4 draft pick in 2018 is only just getting started in his second season.

"I think all players that are emerging there's usually a little breakout game or situation that elevates their confidence," Ratten said.

"He was on song with his marking and his finishing in front of goal as well.

"I think most players can look back and you feel that there was a game that sort of kick-started your career in the way you want it to go.

"It was really pleasing to see his hard work come through.

"He's done so much goal-kicking work this year, trying to get his preparation right."

King is expected to be joined in St Kilda's line-up for Friday night's clash with Carlton by ruck-forward Rowan Marshall, who has been in isolation after attending a COVID-19 exposure site in Melbourne.

Marshall missed Wednesday's main training session at RSEA Park but Ratten sees no issue with him coming straight back into the Saints' team.

Small forward Jack Higgins (back), defender Tom Highmore (hand) and the versatile Hunter Clark (jaw) could also return in a major boost for the Saints as they aim to keep their faint finals hopes alive.

Close defeats to the Eagles and Port Adelaide during the last two weeks have made a finals berth difficult but still only sit two points away from eighth-placed GWS.

Australian Associated Press