Stewart on facing Brisbane

Round 15 was a long time ago, so we are buoyed by the fact that our form in the rounds post that have been really strong.

But we understand that a lot has to go right to beat this team.

They are the reigning premier and they have got some fantastic players across the board, and some really strong ones coming back in to help as well. 

Stewart on Geelong's run home

I mean it has been a little bit of the storyline around us, but I think Sydney was the form team in the competition when we played them.

I think they had won five of their last six when we came up against them in Sydney, so in terms of a litmus test that is probably as tough as it gets.

We don't control the fixture or where other teams are on the ladder, you can only play what is in front of you.

We thought through that period since we played Brisbane, we put in some really strong performances. We have tried to really sharpen our sword in terms of our game plan and things that we have been going after. 

Stewart on managing the bye week

We had a really good session on Friday out here, it was best mids vs best mids and forwards vs backs which was really good.

Obviously you don't want to treat it like a game per se in terms of the collision and the contact, but we thought we did manage to sharpen our sword last Friday for what is going to be a really hot start.

They are a perennially good starting team, so we are ready for what they are going to dish up early in the game. 

Stewart on the feeling heading into the week

I am sure if you ask me at about five o'clock on Friday, they will start to be there [nerves].

I have got two young kids at home that will distract me for most of the week, I am lucky in that respect.

I have had some amazing Finals experiences and some pretty harsh ones, with missing an entire Finals series in 2021. I am just excited to be back at what feels like the start line now.

Everybody uses that language that you qualify for this part of the year and this is why we play, so I am really excited. 

Stewart on his own form

The start of the year for me was quite challenging individually with my body and some things that had happened.

I took the approach that when I was back in the team, that I was building for this time of the year.

Just using it as little goals along the way, to get myself in a position where physically and mentally I am really confident in where my game is at and what I can produce.

It means nothing when the game starts on Friday night but I think the build up that I have had, particularly the last eight to ten weeks, I am really confident and buoyed by what I have put together. 

Stewart on playing at the MCG

The advantage that we get down here during the season is fantastic, it is one of the amazing benefits that we have of being a one team town.

But you have to win it there [MCG], so why not play there in the lead up to the big dance?

That is what you get excited for, to play footy and from a young fella to a young player and now a senior player, it is still as exciting now as it has been for my entire journey.

I love playing there.