MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Jack Steven of the Saints celebrates the win Saints legend Nicky Winmar during the round two AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium on March 30, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Four-time St Kilda Best and Fairest Jack Steven may retire if he is not traded to Geelong in the upcoming trade period, according to AFL.com.au's Mitch Cleary.

Steven has suffered from mental health issues this season, causing him to spend a significant amount of time on the sidelines.

"The way it's been put to me is that Jack Steven, if he’s not at Geelong next year, could walk from footy," Cleary said on Time on Trade.

"He needs to play at the Cats, I think the Saints are accommodating of that prospect.

"The deal should be straightforward enough, but complications could arise when it comes to what the Saints ask for in return for Steven.

"A player of Steven’s quality would normally command a first or second round pick but given the situation surrounding him, a different deal could be constructed."

Steven played just seven games for the Saints in 2019, averaging 19 touches per game with one year remaining on his current deal with the Saints.

"A third-round pick is about the going rate for a player in that situation," said Cleary.

"The Cats will get this done."