St Kilda Saints

Saints sweat on skipper, forward set to miss Crows clash

Brett Ratten could be without his star midfielder for close to two months.

Published by
Mitch Keating

St Kilda will be without skipper Jack Steele  after requiring surgery on a shoulder injury.

Senior coach Brett Ratten lauded the efforts of his captain, who injured his shoulder in the opening half before returning to the field for the final two quarters as the Moorabbin club piled on seven goals in the third term.

The Saints would end the evening 10-point victors over Geelong, establishing their place in the top six on the ladder.

While celebrations ignited in the rooms after the win, the outcome of Steele's injury is sure to have left a bittersweet taste in the mouth of Saints fans.

the club confirmed on Sunday that the defensive-minded onballer will miss an extended period due to a required operation on an AC joint injury.

“Jack’s a really tough guy and committed leader and playing on last night despite his injury is evidence of that,” Head of Football David Rath said.

The setback is a major blow for the Saints, who have often relied on their star onballer.

The recent returns of Jack Billings and Zak Jones are likely to combat the setback, while former Crow Brad Crouch is playing career-best football this season.

Steele wasn't the only casualty from the win at Marvel Stadium, with forward Jack Higgins subbed out of the match due to concussion.

Jack Steele during the AFL match between Hawthorn and St Kilda in Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Higgins had his day end early following a collision with Cats defender Jake Kolodjashnij in the second quarter, sparking fears for the 23-year-old's health.

The head knock is Higgins' second of the season and follows multiple rounds of brain surgery in 2019.

WATCH: Could Cats defender face MRO attention for bump on Saint? 

“It’s really disappointing to have Jack out for an extended period of time, but it’s important for him to get the treatment he needs to set him up for the second half of the season,” Rath said of Higgins.

“He’s a warrior and would continue to play if required, but we need to do what’s right for Jack long-term.

“Jack’s a pro on and off the field and will no doubt attack his rehab professionally, which will hopefully see him back playing as soon as possible."

The failed concussion test will see Higgins miss next Saturday's showdown with Adelaide in South Australia, while Steele could also be ruled out of the clash.

The pair of setbacks join a small injury list at Moorabbin, with forward Dan Butler currently a test with an Achilles injury.

Duo Nick Coffield (knee) and Jack Hayes (knee) will remain sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering ACL injuries earlier in the year, while veteran midfielder Dan Hannebery rounds out the club's casualty ward with a calf complaint.

The Saints are scheduled to face North Melbourne following their bout with the Crows prior to their Round 12 bye.

Published by
Mitch Keating