St Kilda coach Ross Lyon hit back at suggestions Jack Steele’s recent tactical sub role signals uncertainty over the captain’s future, confirming the veteran midfielder will return to the starting line-up for his 200th game this Saturday against Richmond.
Steele was surprisingly made the sub in Round 21, playing just 29 per cent game time in what was the lowest on-field presence of his AFL career.
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But Lyon insists the decision was purely about managing the 28-year-old’s workload. “We managed him last week, and we’re really thrilled that it’s his 200th game,” Lyon said on Thursday.
“It feels like more has been made of it”
Lyon was firm in defending Steele’s value, both as a leader and a player. “He’s been a warrior at the club; two-time best and fairest, All-Australian, captain, and he’s led under some duress,” he said. “He led during COVID and then with a transition coach and transitioning list, so he’s shown great durability.”
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He also pushed back against outside noise regarding Steele’s role in the club’s midfield transition, suggesting the conversation had been exaggerated. “It feels like more has been made of it for whatever reason than gets made at other clubs, so I’m not sure the reason why,” Lyon added.
With St Kilda continuing to blood younger midfielders and chase speed through transition, Lyon emphasised that evolving game trends, not individual form, are behind their rotations. “It’s not the same every week,” he said. “Your blends have got to be a little bit different.”
Steele will now return to the heart of the Saints’ side at the MCG, as the club looks to bank an important win against Richmond and celebrate a major milestone for their captain in fitting fashion.