Jack Steele has been one of the breakout players of the 2020 season, averaging 22 disposals, five clearances, five tackles and five score involvements per game and has become one of the game’s elite inside midfielders.
He is unquestionably in All-Australian contention, but his growth on the field has been matched by his growth off it.
St Kilda Chief Operating Officer Simon Lethlean believes Steele could one day captain the club.
“Yeah I can (see him being a future captain),” he told SEN Breakfast.
“We had a couple of conversations with Steele at the start of the year. He wanted the chance to play as a midfielder in his own right rather than being the stopper every week and that was a conversation that we had where we’re going to need that at times.”
While not currently in St Kilda’s leadership group, Lethlean revealed Steele has been sitting in their meetings and has taken it upon himself to teach young midfielders.
“He’s certainly developed that midfield performance in his own right and we also asked for him to become a better leader for us and he’s joined our leadership group meetings every Monday,” Lethlean said.
“He’s really grown as his performances have increased and he’s taking young guys like Jack Bytel and Ryan Byrnes to watch their vision
“He’s becoming a serious operator for us and he’s grown for sure there.
“To answer your question, I think he can become captain if he wants to and I think he’s striving for that sort of impact at the club.”
The 24-year-old has played 78 career games, picking up 21 disposals and kicking a goal in St Kilda’s win over Hawthorn on Sunday.
Steele sits fourth in the AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year award.