St Kilda midfielder Luke Dunstan’s stocks are continuing to rise as his form at AFL level trends upwards, but captain Jack Steele thought his career at the Saints was all but over at the start of the year.
Dunstan, 26, broke into Brett Ratten’s side in Round 11 after undeniable VFL form for Sandringham and has averaged 27.5 disposals and more than seven clearances a game over the last six weeks.
Steele credits Dunstan’s ‘hard work’ and ‘resilience’ as a major factor to his form, but admitted he thought his career was done at the start of the year for the Saints.
“Personally, I did (think he was done at the Saints), but I knew the type of player he is, I’ve played a number of games with Luke and he’s a really close mate of mine so I see the work he puts in, especially earlier this year at VFL level,” Steele said on SEN’s The Captain’s Run.
“It’s good to see it all come into fruition for him, because it is well deserved and I’m glad he’s reaping the rewards.
"I'm certainly not surprised but it's great to see him going.
“Hopefully he can continue this for the rest of the season and help us move forward.
“He’s as resilient as they come, his attitude is something that he’s turned around in his career.
“For him to be put out of the side and told he wasn’t going to play, it’s a credit to his person and it’s an unbelievable story.”
Dunstan remains out of contact with interest from other clubs increasing.
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