User:Stephmitch01/Steven Cummings (footballer)

Steve Cummings (AFL) Last played for St Kilda Saints in 1992 Born: August 16, 1969 Playing Height: 178cm    Playing Weight: 73kg

Steve was spotted playing for Frankston VFA in 1986 after making his senior debut against Williamstown away. He came under the spotlight of Fitzroy, Melbourne and St.Kilda Football Clubs. He trained with both Melbourne and St.Kilda beofre deciding to sign for St.Kilda and playing his first year in the U18's and Reserves. He was not put on the senior list the following year, however, he stayed to play 12 games in the reserves and won the Best and Fairest in 1989 beating Peter Freeman who had played all 22 games. He was to be drafted by the Saints the following March however he snapped his ankle in three places and had pins and plates inserted,a career threatening injury. He came back 14 weeks later and after a game amassing 48 possession for the reserve was told by senior coach Ken Sheldon to get on the crutchers again and pretend he re injuried his ankle to stop him from being drafted by 4 or 5 known clubs. The following week St.Kilda drafted him with there first pick in the June draft.

A few weeks later he was told that he was to play his first senior game against Fitzroy and Moorabbin. He amased 24 possessions and went on to play the last three games of the year.

In 1991 he played 9 games due to injury, shoulder injuries and also a broken leg stopped him from furthering his total.

In 1992 he played only three games before more bad luck with him this time breaking his leg but this was not found out for 6 weeks, he tried to come back each week but the pain was too much, not picked up until having a scan for compartment sydrome by the Richmond club doctor, this put an end to his year coming back only for a handful of reserve games.

In 1993 he was as fit as ever and had been earmarked by Ken Sheldon to have a huge year, he shattered his knee cap which left him requiring surgery and was told by the surgeon he would never play again and would be extremly luck to walk properly.

Not giving up he returned through hard work to captain the reserves the following year, playing every game and winning the reserve Best & Fairest but was told at the club presentation night in front of a few hundred that whilst being able to make the ball talk, he would never play football again at the highest level. Profile |  Games  |  Career  |  Splits  |  Compare Season 1992 Totals/Averages Games Kicks Handballs Disposals Marks Goals Behinds Tackles Hitouts Frees For Frees Against Total 3 30 33 63 9 0 0 9 0 5 1 Average 3 10.0 11.0 21.0 3.0 0 0 3.0 0 1.7 0.3 Season Highlights 30 disps (14 kicks 16 hballs) and 5 marks in Rd 10 108-pt win over Brisbane at Moorabbin Oval (23 May 1992) Season/Career Highs 1992 Highs Career Highs Disposals 30 v Brisbane, 23rd May 1992 30 v Brisbane, 23rd May 1992 Kicks 14 v Brisbane, 23rd May 1992 17 v Carlton, 27th Apr 1991 * Handballs 16 v Brisbane, 23rd May 1992 16 v Brisbane, 23rd May 1992 Marks 5 v Brisbane, 23rd May 1992 5 v Brisbane, 23rd May 1992 Goals 0 0 Tackles 6 v Geelong, 30th May 1992 6 v Geelong, 30th May 1992 Hitouts 0 0
 * Season/career high achieved two or more times. Match shown is the most recent game when season/career high was attained.