Brett Ratten has spoken to Jack Steven about his future at St Kilda

With Geelong set to make another bid to poach Jack Steven, interim coach Brett Ratten says he has spoken to the star midfielder about his future at the Saints.

Jack Steven of the Saints.

Brett Ratten has spoken to star midfielder Jack Steven about his future at the Saints.

Reports emerged last week Geelong is preparing another bid to lure the 29-year-old to the Cattery after attempting to secure him during last year’s trade period.

Steven, who is from Lorne and played for Geelong Falcons as a junior, is contracted to the Saints for 2020.

The four-time best-and-fairest winner has played just four matches this season after taking two breaks from the game to deal with his mental health.

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While Ratten has spoken to Steven about his playing future, his health remains the priority.

“We’ve had a chat, yeah,” the Saints interim coach said.

“The bit for us is probably what we can do right here, right now for Jack in regards to getting him back to play.

“What I do enjoy is when you walk downstairs and there he is with a big smile on his face. That makes me happy to see him happy. That’s what we’re trying to make sure happens this year and hopefully he finishes off the season really well.”

Jack Steven is close to making a sernior return for St Kilda.

Steven is edging closer to playing senior football again and will suit up for his third game for VFL affiliate Sandringham on Saturday.

“He’s going pretty well,” Ratten said. “He’s getting close. Last week he played high game time and this week he’ll try and play a full game.

“Whether he’s right to go the following week or the week after but he’s getting very close.

“He’s missed a bit of footy so we have to manage him from that point of view because he’s a bit like the blue heeler — if you throw the ball out there, he’ll just chase it and do that over and over again. So we just have to manage how hard he goes all the time.”

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Ratten also confirmed St Kilda is interested in luring Adelaide midfielder Brad Crouch to Moorabbin.

The Saints have contacted Crouch’s management about a potential move despite the star onballer declaring he’s happy at the Crows.

Crouch is contracted at Adelaide for 2020 but will become a restricted free agent when that deal expires next year.

“He’s a very good player, we know he can get high numbers,” Ratten said.

“We wouldn’t be the first club to have rang him, there’ll probably be many others.

“We’ve got an interest but we’ll just let them (list management team) do their job and I’ll concentrate on trying to coach.

“It’s an interesting time in the competition where there’s a lot of players that clubs have got interest (in) and we’re getting to the end of the season so I think clubs are just inquiring about certain players.”

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Adelaide’s Brad Crouch is in St Kilda’s sights. Picture: Michael Klein

Crouch has played every game this season, averaging 30.7 disposals per game, after his 2018 campaign was wiped out by a persistent groin injury that required surgery.

St Kilda is in the awkward position of attempting to entice players to the club without knowing who will be senior coach in 2020.

The Herald Sun reported yesterday the Saints have tabled a significant offer to Greater Western Sydney star Stephen Coniglio, while it has also been linked to North Melbourne free agent Todd Goldstein and untried Essendon ruckman Sam Draper.

Football boss Simon Lethlean and list manager James Gallagher will take on the responsibility of selling the Saints as an attractive destination.

“When you’ve got your GM of footy who’s the boss, he can show the plan and where the club is heading. Yes, the coach’s name might change but he’s showing exactly where we’re heading, you’ve got this great facility now that we’re very proud of, we’re back in Moorabbin, there’s a lot of things that are happening here that are very good,” Ratten said

The Saints’ hopes of defeating Adelaide for the first time since 2011 have taken a hit with a bout of gastro hitting the club, forcing the withdrawal of Jack Newnes and Ben Paton. Matt Parker and Dan McKenzie are the late inclusions.