AFL 2024: Geelong vice-captain Tom Stewart reflects on his career ahead of game 150

It is a feat Tom Stewart never thought he would achieve when he started his AFL career. And the Cats star believes there will be more success stories like his in the future.

Tom Stewart will play his 150th game against Adelaide. Picture: Brad Fleet

It might be a shock to some that Tom Stewart is only just bringing up 150 games, as he has the experience and resume of a player who has played at least 250.

In seven seasons of senior football since being given a shot as a mature-age recruit in the 2016 national draft, Stewart has five All-Australians, two best-and-fairest and a premiership to his name.

The South Barwon export, who was first discovered in the Geelong Football Netball League playing for the Swans, is shocked to have reached the milestone.

“If you’d asked me seven years ago, I’d never thought I’d achieve so it is something that I’m really proud of, not only for myself but my family and all those that put some time and work into me over the journey,” Stewart said.

He will have a close group of friends from South Barwon travelling up to Adelaide along with family to see his milestone game against the Crows – and it’s not the first time they’ve travelled to see him.

Tom Stewart lays a tackle agaisnt the Saints. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“I keep finding myself travelling interstate though so people get pretty annoyed with me whenever I play a milestone game,” he joked.

“I think we have got about a dozen people coming across which is pretty cool. I‘ve had the same group of friends since I was 13-14 years old from South Barwon and my partner, my kids and some family members as well which, it’s really nice. It is a nice time to have and to reflect on those people who have been with me along the journey.”

The 31-year-old’s journey is living proof that snubbed AFL hopefuls should never give up.

While Stewart has a soft spot for those who do take the road less travelled, he doesn’t view himself as a role model.

“I think it started well before me. James Podsiadly before me, Scotty Thompson who was another South Barwon export. I just think the opportunities that are there for those that may not be ready at 18 have become more and more prevalent,” Stewart said.

“Seeing Shaun (Mannagh) on Saturday night, his journey, it reminded me of Tom Atkins who kept toiling away and kept plugging away and eventually got his shot, so they do bring a big smile to my face because I feel they are close to my heart.

“But I’m just so proud of those that take that journey that’s just a bit longer because you can see the joy that they bring out there and the emotion that it brings to their family as well is family really, really special.”

Originally published as AFL 2024: Geelong vice-captain Tom Stewart reflects on his career ahead of game 150