The Jack Steven saga has been one of the more prominent stories in the AFL this year and it could be set to take another turn.

According to Mitch Cleary, the St Kilda midfielder could retire from the game if he isn’t traded to Geelong this off-season.

“The way it’s been put to me is that Jack Steven, if he’s not at Geelong next year, could walk from footy,” he 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.

“A third-round pick is about the going rate for a player in that situation,” Cleary continued.

“He’s got one year to run on his deal at the Saints, it is on good money.

“The Cats will get this done.”

Steven has played 183 games for St Kilda in an 11-year career that has seen him win four club best and fairest awards.