IN front of thousands of roaring fans and with the pride of West Wyalong behind him, St Kilda midfielder Jack Steele recently ran out for his 200th AFL game - and it was a milestone that reminded everyone just why he’s one of the game’s most respected figures.
A tireless competitor, Steele has built his reputation not just on his clean hands, explosive speed and sharp skills, but on a relentless work ethic that has made him the heartbeat of the Saints midfield since crossing from Greater Western Sydney. Of his 200 games, 17 were in Giants colours - but it’s at St Kilda where he cemented his legacy, captaining the side and becoming the club’s leader and mainstay.
For those who’ve followed his journey from the ACT to the elite level, Steele’s rise is no surprise -it’s a testament to a young man who always had a singular focus.
“Jack was a late bloomer and smaller than the other kids,” recalled father Stuart, who once donned the boots in the 1980s for the rugged West Wyalong Mallee Men in country NSW rugby league. “But he had his sights set on it, and from 13, worked and dedicated himself to his craft and his dreams.”
That dream began with the Gungahlin Jets, where Steele first laced up footy boots before blossoming at the Belconnen Cats in the ACT league. His hard-nosed approach and ability to read the game caught the eye of talent scouts, and he was soon welcomed into the GWS Academy system - from there, it was only a matter of time before the big league beckoned. Jack may have lacked size but he made up for it in spades with heart and work ethic proving that talent only goes so far without dedication.
But the decision wasn’t always so clear-cut. A talented junior basketballer, Steele had the talent to chase a future on the hardwood. In the end, the oval ball won out - and AFL fans are all the richer for it. Stuart says Jack’s rise through the ranks was forged as much in the backyard as on the training track.
“He always had that grit,” Stuart said. “And it wasn’t just talent. He was always unselfish, worked hard, made others around him better, and played for the team. That’s what made him captain material - he's always been team first and leads by example with his actions.”
It’s a sentiment shared by Jack’s mother, Joanne, who also hails from West Wyalong and was proudly in the stands to witness her son’s milestone match.
For the Saints faithful, Steele’s 200th was more than just a number. It was a celebration of a player who gives his all every week, who lifts those around him, and who plays the game with integrity and heart. As he ran through the banner, there were smiles, cheers and more than a few misty eyes - a well-deserved tribute to one of the competition’s quiet achievers.
Jack Steele has become synonymous with Saints Footy, and has proven time and again why he is so well-regarded by those inside the four walls of Moorabbin and the wider AFL community..
At his best, Steele is one of the most prolific inside midfielders in the competition, complete with dual Best & Fairest and All-Australian honours, along with a podium finish at the 2020 Brownlow Medal count. The skipper has led the club in almost every facet since relinquishing his tagging duties and being unleashed as a genuine two-way player, racking up plenty of the footy as the cornerstone of St Kilda's midfield with his customary ferocity, unwavering work ethic and leadership in tow.
Averaging over 24 disposals and seven tackles a game in 2024, Steele has shown once again this year in 2025 why he is one of the premier midfielders in the competition, and while it didn't lead the Saints back to September, there's plenty to be excited about for 2026 as the club aims for it’s second ever flag. The last was ironically won in 1966 - and next year will be the 60th anniversary of that lone triumph. No doubt Jack will be doing his best to make it two.
Here’s to Jack Steele - a 200-gamer and St. Kilda legend. Congratulations, on a great career.
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