Sturt defender Jack Stephens to achieve 100-game milestone in SANFL grand final

Classy Sturt defender Jack Stephens, the Jack Oatey Medallist in last year’s grand final triumphn

STURT defender Jack Stephens has had an intriguing journey to 100 league games for the Double Blues.

Early in his senior career at Unley he describes himself as a fringe player troubled by injury and form. Those were the years before Adelaide and Port Adelaide had reserves teams and he had to compete with plenty of Crows for a spot in the Double Blues jumper.

There were the gloomy years as the wooden spooners in 2011-12. And there was last season when the Double Blues claimed the premiership and he was named Jack Oatey Medallist in the grand final.

“I’ve seen it all at the club,” said Stephens, who will achieve the milestone against Port Adelaide in the grand final at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. “I’ve come through with some really good mates and played a lot of footy with them. I’ve played a lot of reserves footy so it has been the full SANFL process.

“I’ve loved it at Sturt and I’ve been fortunate to see the club transform in that time I’ve been there. I’ve been at the club since I was 15 so it has been a massive part of my life.”

The defender said he was excited to finally achieve the 100 games for Sturt.