Triple Brownlow Medallist Ian Stewart gives his verdict on Macquarie Point Stadium
Triple Brownlow Medallist Ian Stewart has given his verdict on the pending Macquarie Point stadium approval revealing why he believes it’s an important step for future generations.
Triple Brownlow Medallist Ian Stewart has described the pending Macquarie Point stadium approval as a “fantastic” decision which will shape the dreams of Tasmanian kids for generations to come.
On Wednesday, a majority of members in Tasmanian parliament’s upper house indicated they would vote in support of the project after years of debate of what will become the Tasmania Football Club’s home ground.
Arguably the Apple Isle’s greatest football export, Stewart said the decision was a milestone moment for his home state.
“It’s a fantastic decision. In years to come, people will ask why we ever questioned about going ahead with it,” Stewart told this masthead.
“It’s a multipurpose stadium which is going to help tourism and businesses tremendously. So many young Tasmanian kids are going to chase their dream of being able to play for the Devils.
“There are already a few Tasmanians in the AFL at the moment and there’s others who have done well in other sports, it shows Tasmania can produce talented sportspeople and this is only going to help us.”
Stewart himself knows what the opportunities a Tasmanian team can do for his career.
In the 1962 season, he was selected to represent Tassie against Victoria after just several games for Hobart as a 17-year-old. There he played on Alastair Lord, who won the Brownlow Medal that season.
A year later Stewart found himself on St Kilda’s VFL list which sparked a career which included three Brownlow Medals, two premierships between St Kilda and Richmond eventually being named in both clubs Team of the Century.
When he moved to Melbourne, he represented Victoria on several occasions but he admits it didn’t always feel quite right.
“It was an honour to play for both sides but I always wanted to play for Tasmania,” he said.
“There was something special about representing your home state, there was immense pride in the jumper.
“Hopefully now with a path to the AFL team, it can help stop the exodus of talent there has been. This time is so important for community footy as well.”
With the Devils’ first AFL game now just over two years away, likely to be in March 2028, Stewart is looking forward to watching the AFL’s 19th team continue to grow.
He still believes the game is “very good” and would like to see players’ names printed on the back of guernseys to make them easily identifiable.
As for the people running the Tasmanian Football Club, he labelled them as “first class”.
“Brendon Gale (Devils CEO) is a very good leader,” Stewart said.
“Good people lead even better when they are surrounded by good people which the club is doing.
“They will continue to make the right decisions which will make the club strong.”
Originally published as Triple Brownlow Medallist Ian Stewart gives his verdict on Macquarie Point Stadium
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