When Jack Steven grows old, he’ll remind his kids that he played alongside the great Nick Riewoldt.

The three-time Trevor Barker Award winner was the most dominant player on the ground in St Kilda’s 49-point win over North Melbourne on Sunday, in Riewoldt’s final home game and final game at Etihad Stadium.

Steven, 27, accumulated 40 disposals – the equal third highest count of his career – 18 score involvements – the second most of any player in Round 22 – 15 contested possessions, 11 clearances and 417 metres gained.

“It’s been unbelievable. I’ll look back on it and tell the kids I got to play with Nick Riewoldt,” Steven told saints.com.au on Sunday night.

“It was a pretty special day; the fans did a really good job turning out for him and I think he really appreciated, so it was good to get the win for him.”

After growing up idolising Riewoldt, Steven recalls arriving at the club and being embraced by the champion centre-half forward who made him feel at home at the Saints.

“When I was younger you just thought he was this big superstar and you get to the club and he’s just a great guy, someone who embraces you and takes you in as one of your own. He’s obviously a star of the game, but he’s so down to earth,” Steven said.

A week after Melbourne all but ended St Kilda’s finals aspirations at the MCG, the Saints responded strongly at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Although the Melbourne loss still burns inside Steven, who is unlikely to add to his one game of finals experience just yet.

“Obviously last week was shocking, so it’s good to bounce back, but still getting over last week,” he said.

“We were just so poor last week and we needed to respond. We’re mathematically still alive but it’s not in our hands now.”