Overview
- Steele confirmed his departure in an emotional message thanking St Kilda and acknowledging the move was not how he pictured his tenure ending.
- 7NEWS reported the Saints will pay a portion of Steele’s wages as he joins the Demons despite being contracted through 2027.
- Coach Ross Lyon praised Steele’s leadership and said the club sought to balance personal considerations with organisational goals.
- The move follows earlier reports that Melbourne made a late approach as the club sought seasoned midfield experience under new coach Steven King.
- Melbourne’s on-ball brigade will be reshaped next season after the departures of Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver.