JACK Steven’s 2013 was a breakout season for the dashing midfielder.
Not only did he win his first Trevor Barker Award at St Kilda’s best and fairest evening, but the 23-year-old also established himself as one of the AFL’s brightest young stars.
Aside from his raw ability to break a game open with a piercing kick or an adventurous run, Steven’s consistency was his greatest attribute in 2013. He collected under 20 disposals on just two occasions for the season and was one of three Saints to play every game for the year.
Steven was named in the All-Australian extended squad and finished the year with a career-best 47-possession effort against Fremantle, following two 30-plus disposal games against Sydney and Hawthorn in rounds 20 and 21.
His value to St Kilda’s engine room is enormous, and Saints fans can look forward to watching the hard-running ball-winner carve a long and successful career in the red, white and black.
Midfield coach Dean Laidley:
“Jack had a tremendous year and was a deserved winner of the best and fairest award. He elevated himself to one of the elite young midfielders in the competition.
There is still plenty of room for improvement but his body has matured over the last 12 months and he had a really consistent and at times outstanding year on the back of a strong pre-season.”
STATS CENTRAL
- 2nd at St Kilda for total kicks
- 1st at St Kilda for total handballs
- 2nd at St Kilda for total disposals
- 8th at St Kilda for total marks
- 2nd at St Kilda for total tackles
- 3rd at St Kilda for frees for
- 2nd at St Kilda for inside 50s
- 1st at St Kilda for goal assists
- 1st at St Kilda for contested possessions
- 1st at St Kilda for total clearances
- 5th in AFL for running bounces
Saints in review today: Jordan Staley, Jack Steven, Clint Jones
Saints in review tomorrow: Lewis Pierce, Seb Ross, Darren Minchington
You can follow Tom Morris on Twitter: @tommorris32
