'Refused to explain': Fresh twist in AFL star's 'stabbing'

Geelong Cats star Jack Steven has reportedly refused to explain to police why he presented at hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning with a reported stab wound to his chest.

The former St Kilda champion was transferred to the Alfred Hospital on Sunday with a ‘non-life threatening injury’, and it is believed Steven’s season will not be significantly disrupted despite the incident.

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Little is known about what led to Steven’s admission to hospital, but on Monday the Herald Sun reported the Cats midfielder had refused to speak to police about the matter.

Hospital staff referred the matter to police when first treating Steven.

Investigators from the Stonnington crime investigation unit have been tasked with getting to the bottom of the incident, but have thus far been unable to get any information from an ‘intoxicated’ Steven, the Herald Sun reported.

Victoria Police are hoping they will be able to speak again with Steven in the coming days.

“Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and hope to speak to the victim again later today,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said on Sunday.

Geelong champion Cameron Ling rocked by Jack Steven news

Dual premiership player for Geelong Cameron Ling said he was saddened to hear of Jack Steven’s hospitalisation, after the former Saint’s recent mental health struggles.

Geelong traded Steven, a three-time best and fairest winning with the Saints, for pick 58 in last year’s draft, with an eye to helping the dynamic midfielder overcome his off-field issues.

Ling said the news came as a surprise, with Steven reportedly enjoying his first pre-season with the Cats after returning to his home town of nearby Colac.

“He has battled mental health issues and worked through those and loved being at the beach and close to the coastal lifestyle and all reports from the club were he was training hard through the summer until the season stopped because of coronavirus,” Ling told ABC Radio.

“He was excited about what the season held for him.

“We don’t know many details other than that footy is the furthest thing from his mind and his family’s mind.

“All it is will be his health and wellbeing and recovering from this.”