By Natalee Kerr
Former Saint Jack Steven has found a new home at Kardinia Park after Geelong landed the midfielder during the final hours of the AFL Trade Period this week.
The Cats secured the Lorne product through a three-way deal with St Kilda and Gold Coast on Wednesday.
Geelong used the pick number 58 it received from Gold Coast in exchange for Zac Smith to land the four-time Saints best and fairest winner.
The 29-year-old took an extended break this season to assist his mental health and requested a trade to the Cats earlier this month to be closer to family.
Originally taken with pick number 42 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft, the former Geelong Falcon played 183 games for the Saints during 11 seasons after making his debut in 2009.
Geelong’s recruiting manager Stephen Wells said the club was “pleased” to have the deal finalised.
“Everyone at Geelong are looking forward to having Jack on board. Jack is a quality player and we are excited to be adding him to our playing list.”
Meanwhile Smith will return to his original club on a two-year deal after Geelong traded the uncontracted ruckman.
After beginning his football career with Gold Coast, Smith joined the Cats at the end of 2015 and played 50 games across his four seasons at the club.
Geelong’s general manager Simon Lloyd thanked Smith for his commitment.
“Zac has been a terrific clubman over his time at Geelong,” he said.
“He is a person of great character, and his commitment and contribution to the club on and off field has been outstanding.
The trade comes after Tim Kelly joined West Coast last week with the Cats landing a “huge return” for the star midfielder.
Geelong received selections 14, 24 and 37 in this year’s national draft from the Eagles, along with their first selection in the 2020 draft under the deal.
