Preliminary discussions open between Geelong and Jack Steven to cut ties
After just one year at his second club Jack Steven’s AFL career could be finished, with the midfielder and the Cats considering going their separate ways.
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Geelong has opened talks to cut ties with Jack Steven halfway through his two-year deal in a move that could end the midfielder’s career.
The club is in preliminary discussions with the former St Kilda star about him departing his second club over the off-season.
Steven, 30, and Geelong would have to agree to terms to break his contract, which would result in a payout.
Should terms be met, the move would open up a valuable list spot for the Cats as they continue their pursuits of Jeremy Cameron and Shaun Higgins, as well as reducing the growing list of players over the age of 30 at the club.
It is highly unlikely any other AFL club would take a flyer on the dasher should he land on the open market.
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When he arrived at Geelong, Steven added the 2021 season to the final year he had to run on his St Kilda contract.
Steven was touted as a shrewd recruit this time last year when he was plucked from the Saints in exchange for the 58th selection at the 2019 AFL Draft.
The move was made after Steven asked to be closer to his family roots in Lorne, having previously battled mental health issues in his career.
But his first year with the Cats was a turbulent one, beginning with a stabbing incident in May that derailed his season restart.
A four-time best-and-fairest winner at St Kilda, he did recover and made his Geelong debut in Round 3 and played nine games for the year.
While he showed glimpses of his trademark explosive pace, only three times did he play more than 70 per cent gametime and he averaged just 16.4 possessions a game through the midfield.
The Cats spoke openly about a deliberate plan to build up his fitness throughout the year and carefully managed the veteran.
“He’s going to play a lot of footy for us but we don’t want to push the envelope too hard with him an make a mistake that still has him less than peak fitness come the end of the season,” Geelong coach Chris Scott said in July.
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That plan didn’t come together, with Steven straining a hamstring in Geelong’s final scratch match this season, midway through the finals.
While he was seen routinely working to build up his fitness as the Cats made a run to the grand final, Steven didn’t return to frame for selection.
Across two clubs since his 2009 debut, Steven has played 192 matches.
Originally published as Preliminary discussions open between Geelong and Jack Steven to cut ties