Star Geelong recruit Jack Steven speaks for first time about stabbing drama
Jack Steven has spoken publicly for the first time about being stabbed last month, saying the incident will have no impact on his football with new club Geelong.
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Jack Steven has spoken publicly for the first time about his stabbing, which prompted an investigation from police and the AFL.
The star Geelong recruit told Fox Footy he’d had no lingering effects from the incident, which happened last month.
“Not at all. It’s all gone,” Steven said.
“I have training pretty strong the last few weeks.”
Geelong coach Chris Scott said last month Steven was “the victim of something serious” after he attended hospital in the early hours of the morning with a stab wound.
The 30-year-old appeared to reference the incident as “the thing” when speaking before his Cats debut against Carlton on Saturday.
“(My fitness is) pretty good. It’s always been up and down,” he said.
“But I feel healthy after the thing. Looking forward to getting back out there.”
Steven said he had relished joining the Cats and working with stars such as Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield.
“I have just been enjoying it, following them around and learning bits and pieces, how they go about it. Pretty excited to get out there with them,” he said.
Scott told Fox Footy Steven would spend time forward and rotating through midfield.
“We want Jack to just go out and enjoy his footy again,” Scott said.
“He’s worked really hard to get to this point. We’re going to try and keep the game pretty simple for him.
“There will be a bit of a learning curve with Jack in terms of the way Geelong plays its footy.”
Steven was expected to play in a scratch match against Carlton before Brandon Parfitt’s withdrawal prompted his debut.
He was presented his jumper pre-match at GMHBA Stadium by teammate Luke Dahlhaus.
The four-time St Kilda best and fairest was traded to Geelong last year for pick 58.
Steven played 183 games in 11 years with the Saints.
Originally published as Star Geelong recruit Jack Steven speaks for first time about stabbing drama