There’s no doubt Jack Steele left his mark on 2019.
The numbers alone tell the story, with the No. 9 racking up the most tackles for any player in Season 2019 (164).
A seven-tackle performance against Sydney cemented his position on top the table, with West Coast’s Elliot Yeo unable to catch him in the final round.
One tackle separated the pair last week, but Steele’s consistency has only enhanced his growing reputation.
HANNEBERY: No. 10 stands tall against Swans
His career-best haul of 164 tackles was set from 20 games – one less than Yeo – and 12 times this season, he topped the match’s tackle count.
A whopping 18 tackles against North Melbourne in Round 16 surpassed his previous joint club record with David Armitage (17), with the performance highlighting the midfield bull at the height of his powers.
Jack Steele brings down Brandon Matera in a crunching tackle.
Subsequent efforts against Melbourne (12), Gold Coast (10) and Carlton (10) have also been among the best of his career.
His impressive physicality combined with the ability to win his own footy in the process has often drawn opposition ire, but there’s no doubt he’s forged himself as one of the league’s toughest combatants.
VFL: Phillips fires as Zebras finish on a high
Tackling now defines his game; his ascendancy this season is proof of his hardness and unwavering commitment to put his body on the line for the Saints.
As a result of his tackling displays, Steele has moved into 20th position for the most tackles in a season across VFL/AFL history.
He now holds the fourth-highest average (8.2 per game) behind Andrew Swallow (8.32), Devon Smith (8.45) and Matt Priddis (8.55).
The extraordinary season also saw the tackling machine move into second position on St Kilda's most tackles in a season, with Lenny Hayes holding onto top spot (177), despite five extra games.
A dislocated kneecap sustained at training sidelined Steele for two weeks, but the star midfielder has still led his side for total pressure acts (542) and defensive half pressure acts (274), while he ranks third for total disposals (438) and contested possessions (131).
WATCH: Tim Membrey post-match
In recent history, St Kilda has produced some of the best tacklers the league has seen, first through Nicky Winmar, then Lenny Hayes.
Their toughness and commitment to the jumper was unquestionable.
And on Season 2019, so is Jack Steele’s.
