Experience meets excellence: Geelong defender Tom Stewart reaches 200-game milestone.
Tom Stewart, Geelong Cats defender, will play his 200th AFL match on Saturday, becoming the fifth player to reach 200 games after debuting at age 24 or older.
Drafted late, but never late to perform. Stewart was selected in the 2016 AFL Draft at pick 40, aged 24, after playing for South Barwon and Geelong’s VFL team. He made his AFL debut in round one, 2017.
A career defined by elite recognition. Stewart has won:
- Five All-Australian selections
- Two best-and-fairest awards
- A premiership in 2022
A heartbreaking end to 2024. Stewart missed the grand final due to concussion sustained in the preliminary final.
Representing the big stage. In February 2026, he played for Victoria in the State of Origin match against Western Australia.
Beyond the field, a personal challenge. Stewart has spoken openly about the emotional impact of missing the grand final, focusing instead on supporting his teammates. He also shared the difficult experience of his son Arthur's health issues shortly after birth, which required neonatal care for a heart condition (supraventricular tachycardia).