Jack Steele has settled into Melbourne and settled right into St Kilda’s engine room.
Seven months and eight games into his new life at Linen House Centre, the midfield bull from Canberra has quickly provided the Saints midfield with a harder edge.
While St Kilda’s other off-season midfield acquisition Koby Stevens wasn’t out there on the weekend, Steele played an important role against Carlton as the Saints muscled their way to their third consecutive win.
“I’m settling into St Kilda and Melbourne pretty well. I’ve loved the transition, the Saints have been unbelievable. The Saints are happy with me and I’m happy with them,” Steele told ABC Grandstand radio in the rooms after St Kilda’s 19-point win.
“I think I fit in the side well, I think I give a bit more grunt. Same as Koby Stevens, who missed out this week obviously, he’s a very similar player to me I think.”
Monday Wash-Up: Round 8 v Carlton
After a quieter game offensively last week, Steele said he was determined to respond against the Blues.
And respond he did, with the former Giant collecting career-highs for possessions (29), contested possessions (17) and clearances (7), as well as 65.7 pressure points (per 100 minutes) – he is ranked No. 2 in the AFL for that statistic behind Tom Liberatore.
“I’m happy with my individual game. Last week I didn’t play my best game, but I’m glad I could find my form again and kick a goal,” Steele said.
Billings saves his best for game No. 50
Starved of opportunity across two seasons in the harbour city, Steele said his rise this season has been assisted by Saints stars David Armitage and Jack Steven.
“David Armitage is the one who has been mentoring me a bit. He’s a great mentor so he’s been looking after me a bit,” he said.
“Same with Jack Steven, he’s a gun and he’s been showing me the ropes I guess.”
