AFL star Jack Steven in hospital after stabbing

Geelong recruit Jack Steven is in hospital as police investigate the circumstances in which the Cats midfielder was stabbed.

Jack Steven is in hospital after being stabbed.

Geelong recruit Jack Steven is in hospital as police investigate the circumstances in which the Cats midfielder was stabbed in the chest on Saturday night.

A four-time best-and-fairest with St Kilda before crossing to Geelong, Steven is expected to recover from the incident, with the Cats expressing concern for his wellbeing.

Geelong premiership captain Cameron Ling said there was understandable concern for Steven, who left St Kilda after a struggle with mental health issues.

Having grown up in Lorne, the move to Geelong enabled the 30-year-old to be closer to his family.

Jack Steven during the 2020 Marsh Community Series match in March.

“At his best he is a wonderful footballer and he came to the Cats looking for a change of scenery to reinvigorate his love of the game,” Ling told the ABC.

“He has battled mental health issues and worked through those and loved being at the beach and close to the coastal lifestyle and all reports from the club were he was training hard through the summer until the season stopped because of coronavirus.

“He was excited about what the season held for him. We don’t know many details other than that footy is the furthest thing from his mind and his family’s mind. All it is will be his health and wellbeing and recovering from this.”

Steven was among the more than 800 footballers due to return to training on Monday.

“Jack is in hospital and recovering. The club’s concern is for Jack’s health and well being,” Geelong said in a statement.

“The matter has been referred to police and until their investigations are completed the club will not be in position to offer further comment.”