Jack Steven was back to his explosive best on Saturday afternoon.
The three-time Trevor Barker Award winner was best-a-field in the hard-fought victory against the Brisbane Lions, finishing with two goals, 34 disposals and six inside
With his trademark speed on display, Steven showed no signs of the ankle injury that threatened to sideline him for Round 1.
With the Saints trailing in time-on in the third, the midfield ace turned on the afterburners to bag two goals in as many minutes.
The first, a running shot from 45, put the Saints back in into the lead, and when he pounced at the top of the goal square minutes later, the Saints suddenly had a 10-point break.
The 27-year-old was again influential in the last term to help see off a determined Lions outfit and claim a 25-point win.
Coach Alan Richardson said it was no surprise Steven had managed to overcome the injury and take his place in the side.
“That was a pretty special performance,” Richardson said.
“Given he came in under a bit of a cloud, that was an outstanding effort from Jack.
“He’s a real pro when it comes to getting himself right, so we expected him to be right.”
Richardson also praised the work of Koby Stevens, who shut down Dayne Zorko, and Blake Acres who played one of his best matches in red, white and black.
Acres finished with 30 possessions and a clutch goal from the boundary line, but it was his defensive efforts and strength in close that stood out.
An important smother in the first term led to Hunter Clark’s first ever goal for the Saints, while his ability to stand up in tackles and dish off to teammates had him vying Steven for best-on-ground honours.
Richardson said his side would need to improve their work at the contest to make it two-from-two against the Kangaroos on Good Friday.
“(Contested ball) is usually a real strength for us, so credit to the Lions, and we’re going need to be stronger in that area given that’s also a strength of the Kangaroos.”
“It’s a big game for the footy club on Friday night and we’ll need to be at our best.”
The Saints return to Etihad Stadium in six days to take on North Melbourne in the second ever Kick for Kids at 4.20pm.
Enjoy Good Friday footy and contribute $10 towards the RCH Good Friday Appeal by purchasing our special #KickForTheKids 3-game home and away membership. Available now on the Saints membership site.
