Brett Ratten's decision to release the shackles on Jack Steele this season has proved a masterstroke, with the club set to play its first finals series in almost a decade.
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In his first year as Saints' coach Ratten has quickly identified Steele's potential as more than just a tagger, allowing the Canberra native more freedom in his game which has in turn turned St Kilda's midfield into one of the AFL's most dynamic.
And the rest of the league is taking notice.
"At times I've felt that players are coming to me at stoppage a little bit more than they used to," Steele said.
"A lot of belief from Ratts [Ratten] in my game has helped me especially with the new role that I've been playing. He was a pretty handy mid himself when he was playing at Carlton.
"I've had that tagging role for the last couple of years, I've really been starved of opportunity in playing my offensive game.
"The fact that I've got the tick of approval by the coach now to be able to go out and play football a bit more, that definitely helps."
When Steele requested a trade from the Giants to St Kilda back in 2016, he thought he was leaving one emerging powerhouse for another.
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Struggling to cement a regular starting spot at GWS, the Canberra youngster identified the Saints as the perfect destination to kick-start his fledgling career.
But as the Giants surged towards last year's maiden grand final appearance, St Kilda floundered in the lower half of the competition and ultimately parted company with the man who signed Steele, Alan Richardson.
Ratten's injection freshened up the club which has flourished since the season restart, and five wins from six have them nestled in fifth spot ahead of Sunday's crunch clash against Brisbane.
"We're probably in the best position that we've ever been in since I've been here...coming across to the Saints I wanted to play finals a lot quicker," Steele said.
"Things didn't go our way we had a few rough years and we've put ourselves in a great position.
"I was in and out of the Giants at the time and just wanted to be playing consistent AFL football."