AFL great Matthew Lloyd has questioned if St Kilda captain Jack Steele is still in the Saints’ best side, after the 29-year-old was named the sub for Sunday’s game against North Melbourne.
Steele is just the fourth captain in AFL history to be named as the sub, a rare decision that has since sparked rumours about his future at Moorabbin.
The Saints are already sweating on a decision from out-of-contract star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, who is tossing up whether to remain a Saint, or head back to South Australia at season’s end.
But for Steele, Lloyd believes the decision may be out of the hands of the Saints’ skipper.
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“It’s a big call for St Kilda at the end of the year… because I think they’ve gone past him,” Lloyd told Footy Classified on Monday Night.
“I’m not sure if there’s another opportunity for him anywhere else.
“He seems to have lost his confidence.”
Steele is no stranger to moving clubs, having converted to the Saints at the end of 2016 after a two-year stint with the GWS Giants.
However, the former All-Australian has maintained that he’s “happy” at the club, while coach Ross Lyon has guaranteed he’ll start ahead of his 200th game next week.
“‘You’re banged up. You got your 200th and that’s all booked and sorted,’" Lyon said of his conversation with Steele on Sunday.
“I said, ‘Mate, you’ll be starting in there next week.’"
Steele has captained the Saints since 2021, and will lead his side out for his milestone match next Saturday against Richmond.