Jack Steven has now joined exclusive company at St Kilda Football Club. On the back of his third Trevor Barker Award in four seasons, the star midfielder from Lorne has confirmed his status as one of the Saints’ best midfielders of the modern era.
For the second time in the same period, the 26-year-old was included in the All Australian squad, but didn’t quite manage to secure a berth in the final 22. But his third best and fairest saw him become just the tenth Saint in the club's history to win the prize on three occasions.
Polling in all but three games, Steven produced arguably his finest season in 2016. He began the year brightly by acquiring 36 possessions in Round 1, before adding another eight 30+ hauls across 22 appearances, including two figures in the 40s.
He did a number on Essendon on both occasions, collecting 40 possessions, 10 clearances and nine inside 50s in Round 9, before adding a further 41 possessions (22 contested), 12 clearances, 12 tackles and nine inside 50s in Round 16. And his 39 disposal effort against the Dogs in Round 18 was extraordinary.
Steven’s blossoming relationship with much-improved ruckman Tom Hickey allowed even more high octane bursts from stoppages than we’ve seen previously, leading the game breaker to finish the season ranked No. 3 for inside 50s.
In another sign of the gun onballers rise this year, Steven joined the clubs leadership group in February and rapidly became one of St Kilda’s most influential leaders through his inspirational acts and ability to set the right example.
Time is running out to win the Saints Super Draw! Be in the running to WIN by clicking here
Alan Richardson’s views:
“Jack had a sensational year. He was in All Australian discussion and he obviously won his third best and fairest in four years. He’s become our best player. His ability to get the ball is obvious – everyone sees his numbers. His ability to break free at clearance and give quality entry for us is great, and that’s obvious. But it’s the fact that he rates defensive pressure as importantly as offense that really adds to our team and helps us improve as a team. He did really well this season.
“He got a lot of attention all through the year, but it went to another level in the last six weeks when we were pushing for finals. His influence in terms of possession rate dropped – it always will if someone’s tagging you and their total commitment is to stop you – but what was pleasing was he still helped us win games of footy even though he wasn’t getting enormous numbers by his selflessness. He’d two-for-one at stoppage, his ability to go to the opposition’s best player even though he’s getting tagged. So even when he was getting close attention, he was able to make a contribution and help others get free. He’s just that selfless.
“Jack’s an impressive leader in his own way. He’s not the orator publicly that you might expect from a leader, given how strong ‘Rooey’ is in that space, but that’s not necessarily Jacks go. His work ethic is unquestioned; his commitment to his team and his teammates is unquestioned. He is quite vocal on the ground instructionally; he’s very inspirational in the way that he performs on the training track and on the ground. He sets a great example for our younger players.”
The Numbers:
22 games
28.0 disposals (No. 14 in the AFL)
11.3 contested possessions (No. 1 at St Kilda)
5.6 tackles (No. 2 at St Kilda)
5.5 clearances (No. 18 in the AFL)
5.3 inside 50s (No. 3 in the AFL)
52.2 pressure points (No. 1)
