Tom Stewart believes this weekend will present the Cats with an opportunity they have not seen for some time, looking to finish strong while building a strong platform to launch their 2024 campaign from.

The 30 year old has submitted yet another All-Australian calibre campaign in 2023, averaging nearly 24 disposals per game across half back, sitting second in the league for rebound 50’s while also eclipsing 10 marks in a game on six different occasions.

Despite being out of the race for finals, Stewart said dead rubbers do not exist at Geelong with plenty still to play for against the Bulldogs.

"I understand how lucky I am to be able to play for Geelong every week, so my motivation doesn't wane,” Stewart said. 

“It's a new opportunity in front of myself and the group to get something out of it. It's another opportunity for us to learn and to grow. 

"It presents an opportunity for others to step in and learn how to play at the highest level. 

"We have had a lot of growth this year from players we may not have thought we would have to call on, so this presents another opportunity to put our best foot forward. 

"To pull on the hoops is always a massive privilege no matter the situation." 

The Cats have battled plenty of adversity this year, with just three players managing to play every single game in the 2023 season. 

But it has also opened the door for plenty of new talent to experience footy at the highest level, with 19 players aged 25 or younger playing valuable minutes for the Cats this year. 

Stewart said it has been a learning curve for the team this year, but one that will hold them in good stead heading forward. 

"It has been a massive growth year, both individually and as a collective,” Stewart said. 

“We have learned an array of different things throughout the season, but ultimately this year wasn't ours.

"I think the biggest thing I have learned this year is the elite standard of the competition. 

"I have been so grateful to play in a Geelong team that has always competed and has never not been in contention at the pointy end of the season. 

"I have learned that you can't take it for granted, there are 17 other teams that go to work each year and ultimately in our industry, there is only one winner. 

"As a club we will give ourselves every opportunity moving forward to compete." 

Geelong takes on the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night at 7.25pm.