Ex-Geelong, St Kilda midfielder Jack Steven allegedly facing police charges

Jack Steven, a four-time best and fairest winner in the AFL, is allegedly facing charges over a car crash in southern Victoria.

Former St Kilda champion Jack Steven is allegedly set to face charges over an accident outside Lorne on Victoria’s south coast.

7NEWS has reported the 34-year-old allegedly crashed his Ford ute into an embankment and then fled the scene, according to police.

Compounding matters for the former midfielder, he allegedly refused a preliminary oral fluid test after police officers located him at the house he shares with his parents.

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“Jack Steven was driving alone, just near his home a few minutes from town, about 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon when he lost control of his Ford ute and slammed into an embankment,” Channel 7 reporter Paul Dowsley said.

“Police have told 7NEWS the 34-year-old then fled the scene and ran to a house nearby, which is believed to be the house he shares with his parents.

“And that is where officers found him.

“They are now set to charge him with refusing a preliminary oral fluid test and other traffic offences.”

Former St Kilda and Geelong midfielder Jack Steven is allegedly in strife over a car crash. (AAP Image/Dylan Burns)

Steven, who was pick 42 in the 2007 AFL Draft, played 183 games for St Kilda between 2009 and 2019.

A fan favourite, Steven claimed four best and fairest awards at the Saints in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2018.

He then took a break from football prior to the 2019 season to deal with mental health issues.

“Jack’s decision to put his hand up and acknowledge that he needs some time away is a brave one,” former St Kilda footy manager and CEO Simon Lethlean said at the time.

“He is a much-loved member of our playing group and has the support of all his teammates, his coaches and all St Kilda supporters.”

Steven returned to play in four of the Saints’ first six games of that season before taking another break, returning for the final three matches of 2019.

Steven was a hugely popular figure during his time with the Saints. (AAP Image/Daniel Pockett)

He then requested a trade to Geelong and featured in nine matches for the Cats in 2020 before announcing his retirement.

In May of that 2020 campaign, Steven was admitted to hospital after suffering a mystery stab wound to his chest.

In relation to the alleged crash outside Lorne, Stevens’ father Peter gave a short statement to 7NEWS.

“He’s avoided a kangaroo, he’s just had an accident,” he is reported as saying.

“We’re very lucky that he’s alive. It’s a very dangerous road.

“He was treated by the ambulance.”

Ambulance Victoria reportedly told 7NEWS they did attend the scene, but no emergency treatment was provided.