Jack Steven signs five-year contract extension with St Kilda, avoids lure of free agency

EXCITING St Kilda midfielder Jack Steven is off the free agency market. EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES SAINTS VIDEO

EMERGING midfielder Jack Steven is off the free agency market after recommitting to St Kilda for a further five years.

Steven, whose contract expired at the end of the 2015 season, pledged his loyalty to the Saints by signing on until the end of 2020.

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The 24-year-old is regarded as one of the most promising midfielders in the competition.

Steven won the club’s Best and Fairest award in 2013 after playing all 22 games and averaging a career-high 26 disposals. He finished eighth in the count last season, despite missing five matches due to a foot injury.

The former Geelong Falcon is also developing into one of the club’s most important played off the field, after showing great leadership in 2014, particularly during midweek meetings.

Jack Steven commits to our club and his mates until 2020. A decision based on faith and integrity.

— Alan Richardson (@AlanRichardson) March 25, 2015

Steven, selected by the Saints with pick 42 in the 2007 National Draft, admitted there was “some interest from other teams” to poach him, but the young midfielder had given those offers little thought.

“This effectively makes me a Saint for life, which I am thrilled about,” Steven said.

“I’ve got some close friends here and there is a great vibe around the place with some positive things happening and this is the club I want to represent for my entire career.”

Steven has played 90 games and booted 65 during his six-year career so far.

Saints chief operating officer Ameet Bains said Steven’s re-signing was a show of great faith in the club’s playing list and future direction.

“For a player such as Jack to commit to the club in such an emphatic manner shows the faith our playing list has in the club and its direction,” Bains said.

“Jack is one of our best and most valuable players and is becoming a genuine leader around the club. Considering his age in comparison to our young playing group, he is a vital part of our list and our plans.”

Originally published as Jack Steven signs five-year contract extension with St Kilda, avoids lure of free agency