Triple Trevor Barker Award winner Jack Steven is setting the standard on the track this summer as he looks to return to his best in 2018, according to Senior Assistant Coach Simon McPhee.
After winning three of the previous four best and fairest’s, Steven received plenty of attention from opposition taggers in 2017, who limited his usual game-breaking brilliance at times.
Despite the close attention last year, the 27-year-old midfield star still averaged 26.4 disposals, 5.4 clearances and 4.3 inside
“He’s in really good nick,” McPhee told saints.com.au on Wednesday afternoon.
“He’s lighter; he’s moving a bit quicker; he’s really set the standard.
“When you walk off the track, you know he’s had a good session, whereas some players you need to go back through the tape a little bit. He’s just making a real impact.”
McPhee, who has been promoted to oversee St Kilda’s engine room this season, believes the challenges Steven faced last season helped mature him as a footballer.
“I think the attention he received last year has actually matured him," he said.
“He has worked a lot with Adam Kingsley around dealing with being under that sort of pressure and how to still have an influence.
“Even on some of his quieter days, he found ways to be involved, whether that was blocking or creating an outnumber.
“I think this year we might free him up forward a bit more and see if he can hit the scoreboard. We will look to be proactive in bringing him into the game as a coaching staff.”
After being plucked from Lorne at pick No. 42 in the 2008 National Draft, Steven has played 154 games in red, white and black.
