Unlike many of the famous novels the next chapter of Steven King’s tale is a happy one.
The Shepparton football export has signed on at Geelong as an assistant coach, trading his Gold Coast garb for a navy blue hue.
King, 44, served as senior assistant coach at the Suns for two seasons while also pinch-hitting as senior coach on a caretaker basis.
The Shepparton junior comes home to the club where he burst onto the scene, returning to Geelong for the first time since 2007, the year he finished up his 193-game stint at the Cats.
Geelong football general manager Andrew Mackie was rapt to have King back at GMHBA Stadium for the future.
“We’re excited to add Steven to our coaching staff. He returns to the club with a strong coaching resume and we’re happy he sees his next coaching opportunity with the club,” Mackie said.
“Steven is passionate about developing players and his knowledge and experience will further benefit our playing group.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the impact Steven can have on our football department and welcome him and his family back to Geelong.”
King was drafted at age 16 and moved to Geelong through Year 11 at Shepparton High School.
He went on to forge a name for himself as a quality ruckman, spending his early days mixing it alongside legends such as Gary Ablett Sr and Garry Hocking at the Cats.
King finished his 240-game playing career at St Kilda and his next venture was equally as illustrious.
The 202cm ruck turned his gifted hands to coaching, where he slotted into Western Bulldogs’ panel for 10 seasons, bearing a premiership in 2016.
He moved on to the Suns in 2021 and will now have the chance as senior assistant to Chris Scott at the Cattery.