St Kilda captain Jack Steele has reportedly been informed by the club that he is "welcome" to explore opportunities at rival clubs following a meeting on Friday.
Steele is contracted until the end of 2027, but has slowly been shuffled outside the midfield group, which is the reasoning behind the Saints' stance.
It is believed that the former Giant wants to remain at Moorabbin in 2026.
St Kilda had a crucial meeting with captain Jack Steele this morning.
They told him he is welcome to look for other opportunities if he wants guaranteed midfield time in the senior team.
Steele is really keen to stay and play for the Saints in 2026. It's widely accepted he…
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) October 3, 2025
The club released this statement:
"At his recent year-end exit interview, Jack Steele advised the club of his desire to step down from the captaincy.
"The club called Jack in today for a follow-up discussion about his playing future and to discuss his openness to explore other opportunities.
"Jack advised the club he wants to stay but is prepared to consider opportunities if presented to him."
GWS had previously been flagged as a potential suitor for the 29-year-old earlier in the year.
The likes of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Marcus Windhager, Mattaes Phillipou, Hugo Garcia, Jack Macrae and Darcy Wilson are touted as the next midfield group, while the Saints' interest in Sam Flanders could also push Steele further down the totem pole.
It comes as Callum Wilkie is tipped to succeed Steele as St Kilda's captain next year.
Steele has played 202 games since he was drafted with Pick 24 in the 2014 National Draft.
