There are not many better sights than Tom Stewart at full flight, and the champion defender is hitting a terrific vein of form heading into another Finals campaign 

Patrolling half back to great effect on Saturday afternoon, Stewart collected 23 disposals and a game-high nine intercept possessions against the Tigers, while going at a brilliant 96% disposal efficiency. 

Lighting up the MCG with his elite skill and clever decision-making, the star defender was also able to record seven score involvements against Richmond to have a significant impact at both ends of the ground.

After an interrupted first half of the 2025 season, Stewart said that a clean bill of health and consistent run of games has prepared him well for September. 

"I have had a bit of a challenging year with my body, but it felt like the last little period since I came back has been really good for me," Stewart told Cats Media. 

"The fitness and the medical staff have been amazing with getting my body back to a really good spot.

"I am really excited and buoyed to attack a September campaign."

Geelong were able to lock away a top two spot and a home Qualifying Final, defeating the Tigers by 39-points on Saturday afternoon. 

It provided the Cats with a chance to fine tune their game at the MCG, a venue they will return to in the first week of September. 

Stewart said it is exactly where Geelong want to be at the pointy end of the season. 

"The first half we obviously played exceptionally well, then probably didn't play up to our standard in the second half," Stewart said. 

"We have so many fond memories here and we had a fairly large break in between games here, so it is always good to be back and to be in these rooms.

You want to be out on that surface when the whips are cracking, so we are excited."

One pleasing aspect to come from Saturday's game was Geelong's dominant defensive display, holding Richmond goalless from midway through the first quarter to the final minutes of the third term. 

"We understand that our defensive profile is a really strong one, and we really hold ourselves in high regard in that area," Stewart said. 

"It is something that we base our entire game off, so to do that for a long period tonight was really pleasing. Obviously they got a bit of a run on late and kicked a few goals.

"But we are in a really good spot health wise and we are really excited about what is to come."