Steven is a dual best and fairest at St Kilda, but has never been named in the All-Australian team. But he is building a reasonable case for selection. He ranks eighth in the AFL for disposals, 12th for tackles, second for inside 50s and ninth for clearances.

His 41 disposals, 12 clearances and late goal were vital in Sunday's come-from-behind win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

Asked if Steven was in the mix for All-Australian honours, Ross said: "I think he is."

"I saw up on the board there at the end he's had 41 disposals and a goal. He had 40 against them last time," Ross said.

"He's in ripping form Jack. He's in the leadership group this year and he's doing a great job in leading us in there. He's probably our best player, and probably our most consistent."

For the second time in three rounds, the Saints overcame a final-quarter deficit to secure the four points, having also done so a fortnight earlier against Geelong. Ross said it was a sign of increased maturity. "It to-ed and fro-ed and we were able to grind it out and get ourselves back in front so I think it does show maturity of the group, because I think in the past once teams got in front of us in those situations we've sort of rolled over."

Ross said the Saints had been stinging after their poor showing against Gold Coast in the week between the Geelong and Essendon games. "It was all about our defence this week because [Gold Coast] took a record amount of uncontested marks against us.

"They just smashed us on the outside."

Sunday's win was the Saints' seventh of the season, meaning they have exceeded their 2015 tally. St Kilda can square their ledger at 8-8 if they topple Melbourne on Docklands this Sunday.

The Saints are highly unlikely to recall forward Paddy McCartin who has already missed a week with his third concussion of the season. But the Saints say the former No. 1 draft pick will almost certainly return to football by the end of the month. Speaking on Sunday night, Saints coach Alan Richardson flagged Jack Sinclair, Jack Billings, Jack Lonie and Eli Templeton as possible inclusions for the match against the Dees.