On the eve of his first finals series, it’s hard to believe Geelong defender Tom Stewart has just 17 games to his name.

The 24-year-old’s path to the to the AFL has been well documented as unconventional, missing out in his draft year only to be selected years later by his hometown team after starring with the Cats’ VFL side in 2016.

Now averaging 14.9 disposals and four marks in just his first season at AFL level, Stewart has not only become a staple of the Geelong defensive unit but has excelled when faced with tasks even the most seasoned veterans would look to avoid.

Whether left one-out inside defensive 50 with Power star Robbie Gray in the dying minutes or with an arm across Richmond’s Dustin Martin and little to no support in sight, it's luck Stewart feels more than anything else.

“I look back every day and I’m pretty blessed to be in the position I’m in,” told Future Stars on Channel Nine on Sunday morning.

“I just try to do my best for the team week in, week out. Whether that’s getting possessions or playing on elite players, I’m just happy to do what I can do.” 

The ease with which Stewart has adapted to the AFL begs the question as to why he was ever overlooked in the first place.

Having patrolled the back half for the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup in 2011, Stewart elected to return to local club South Barwon instead of pursuing his AFL dream via the VFL.

There, he won a premiership in 2013 alongside Cats champion Matthew Scarlett, who continues to coach Stewart at AFL level and has played as significant a part in his success as anyone.

“I wasn’t really at the age where I understood what the sacrifice was to play at the elite level [in 2011]. I was happy to go back and play local footy with South Barwon with my mates and spend some time there and just enjoy footy for a little bit,” Stewart said.

“I was lucky enough to play in a premiership with Scarlo and be coached by him for a couple of years. I think any person who has a close relationship with him will tell you that he’ll do anything for his mates and I was lucky enough that he chose me out of a good group of kids and gave me the opportunity to play good footy.” 

The challenges will keep coming for Stewart, as he and the Cats face the Giants at Simonds Stadium this Saturday night with a top-two finish and a home qualifying final on the line.