St Kilda star Jack Steven will take time away from football as he deals with ongoing mental health issues.

The 28-year-old addressed his teammates on Tuesday, telling them that he had been struggling for some time and needs to step away from the game.

Jack Steven. Credit:Morgan Hancock

The Age understands that Steven, who won his fourth Trevor Barker Medal last year, will travel interstate as he continues to deal with personal issues that stem back to last year.

“Jack’s decision to put his hand up and acknowledge that he needs some time away is a brave one,” club football boss Simon Lethlean said in a statement.