Tom Stewart says playing local football with Matthew Scarlett changed his life

HOW has Tom Stewart gone from playing local football with his mates to being an integral member of the Geelong backline? Two words — Matthew Scarlett.

Tom Stewart is enjoying his time with the Cats. Picture: Jay Town

TOM Stewart plays with a composure that belies his time in the game, a cool head for frenzied times.

Yes, he’s older than 99 per cent of AFL debutants at 24 after five years of local Geelong football and one with the Cats’ VFL team, but there’s something else, an ability to make the right decision at the right time.

And then it all becomes clearer when investigation shows Stewart to be an avid student of the Matthew Scarlett “Book of Defence”, one that highlights when to go and when to stay, or how to win the one on ones so vital in today’s game.

Such a moment came late in Geelong’s Round 10 home game against Port Adelaide, the Power surging forward with 15 seconds left and just two points down.

Stewart, 190cm, found himself one-out against Robbie Gray, a match-up that may only be surpassed in terms of danger by Dustin Martin.

But the qualified carpenter kept his head, doing just enough to cause a spillage before being careful not to give away a free 25m out and straight in front.

Tom Stewart has made an early impact at Geelong. Picture: Jay Town

Stewart and Scarlett both call Geelong Football League club South Barwon home and indeed played together in 2013 when Scarlett ended his 284-game AFL career.

Their relationship has proven pivotal in Stewart’s life.

“I knew I could play football but probably needed someone to ignite the belief that I could go further than local footy. ‘Scarlo’ was the person who did that and I can’t thank him enough for helping to change my life,” said the quietly-spoken Stewart on Friday.

His quietness and thoughtful mind are in contrast to his “look’, one that suggests a degree of flair: “Believe me, I look more flamboyant than I am. The hair is about trying to keep as much as possible because I’m going bald, and the ‘tatts’ reflect my journey in life to date.”

There is also a quietness about his on-field work although Stewart has the ability by foot to kick long, flat and fast, thereby opening up games.

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He also possesses a deceptive closing speed and overhead strength that allows him to play on different shapes and sizes, which is a blessing to his coaching staff.

In his most recent outing against the Eagles he had Mark LeCras (184cm) and Jack Darling (192cm), a couple of weeks earlier Jackson Trengove (197cm) and Gray (183cm).

“My speed is a weapon I have in my arsenal, and I’m quicker than some people think. I’m in the upper echelon at Geelong in terms of maximum speed,” said Stewart.

“And I’m working on my kicking to try and break a game open and hopefully it can become a weapon for the club. Plus there is knowing when to attack and run more.

“Scarlo works with me every week. We have an open relationship when he goes through my review in minute detail, in how I can improve my game. It’s about backing myself in more. Nigel Lappin, who was my favourite player as a kid, has also been great with his help.”

Matthew Scarlett playing local football for South Barwon.

For Scarlett, watching the development of a mature aged recruit like Stewart is the next best thing to playing, knowing he can have some input into what might be an extremely productive AFL career.

Scarlett is minimal with his words, a defensive version of Jason Dunstall, so when he speaks with praise we listen.

“I saw him do some unbelievable things when I played alongside him at South Barwon, his contested work to beat his opponent, sometimes even two opponents, plus his speed off the mark,” said Scarlett.

“Plus he had an obvious passion to get out there on the weekend and compete with his mates. All the good players say their favourite time is those couple of hours on game day. He seeks it.

“And he can play on the bigs and smalls. Plus he has got himself really fit so he can now play on those smaller types. He now has the repeat speed which is really handy for our coaching staff.

“His kick to (Daniel) Menzel at Geelong highlighted how damaging he can be. As he gets more confident you will see more attack from him. At the moment he wants to stop his opponent but the attacking part will develop and he will turn into a really good footballer. He looks like he has played a lot more games than he actually has.”

As a kid Stewart grew up near the Victorian snowfields at Mansfield before moving to Geelong at age 14.

He played a handful of games with the Geelong Falcons but admits to not being mentally ready for what it took to become a good player.

In fact he asks if that isn’t the case for a number of teenagers: “It’s the right time for me at 24. I have a lot of empathy for the kids going through the system these days, trying to juggle Year 12 and become an AFL player.

“Plus you are trying to find out who you are as a person. The way the NBA do it with their college system should be looked at.”

Tom Stewart in action for the Cats. Picture: Michael Klein

Clinton Wells played with Stewart in 2010 at senior level for South Barwon when he was a 16-year-old forward with a lot of talent.

“Even back then he had a good body size, alternating between the seniors and under-18s,” said Wells, who now coaches South Barwon.

“He’s a great kid, always wanting to learn, but it’s probably only been the last couple of years that he’s started to fully believe in himself. Having ‘Scarlo’ as a mentor has clearly benefited Tom.”