The last time St Kilda beat Hawthorn in Launceston, Jack Steven emerged on the scene for the very first time. On Saturday, Steven returned to the same scene and produced another brilliant display to earn the Silk Miller Medal in the 75-point win over Hawthorn.
In his second game back from the punctured lung he suffered in the loss to West Coast in Round 2, Steven was dominant at University of Tasmania Stadium, amassing a game-high 36 possessions (13 contested), eight tackles, five inside 50s and 497 metres gained.
“Last time we won (in Launceston) was in my first game, which was a long time ago, so it was good to get the four points,” Steven told saints.com.au on Saturday.
“I think I ran out of gas last week so I’m good for the run and I felt a lot better today.
“I think for me it was about more match fitness; I did a fair bit of training but you can’t really simulate the intensity of the game.
“I went out pretty hard last week and hit the wall and this week I felt a bit better.”
Champion forward Nick Riewoldt became just the third Saint to kick 700 goals when he slotted the second of his four goals on Saturday.
Steven said the six-time Trevor Barker Award winner reaps the rewards for the effort he puts in each and every week.
“It’s awesome (playing alongside him), he’s such a good leader and he demands excellence from everyone,” Steven said.
“He’s such a hard worker; he deserves every one of those 700 so it’s a huge effort really.”
