The son of former St Kilda rover Derek King, he originally came from Eastern Ranges. He showed his pace for Sydney, but his light build counted against him. In 1999 he was just starting to show his high skill level for Collingwood when he suffered a foot stress fracture. Even though he missed eight games he still finished in the top 10 in the best and fairest. He was swapped with Richmond's Steve McKee as the Magpies desperately sought a ruckman. Richmond was rewarded for their faith when King's flair and creativity was an integral part of the early season achievements of the Tigers, but then he broke a leg and missed the final nine games. More foot problems wiped out the early part of 2001, but he never re-established a regular place.