The Geelong Football Club is proud to congratulate champion defender Tom Stewart, as he prepares to play his 200th AFL game on Saturday night against Collingwood at the MCG.

Stewart has embodied everything it means to be a Geelong footballer since arriving at the Club, when he was selected with pick No. 40 in the 2016 National Draft.

Hailing from the South Barwon Football Club, Stewart spent time with Geelong’s VFL program early in his career and was highly recommended by Cats legend, Matthew Scarlett before being recruited by the Club.

Immediately making a strong impact, Stewart debuted in the opening game of the 2017 AFL season against Fremantle in Perth, collecting 10 disposals in Geelong's impressive victory over the Dockers.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Tom Stewart of the Cats celebrates a goal during the round three AFL match between Geelong Cats and Adelaide Crows at GMHBA Stadium, on March 26, 2026, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Stewart solidified his position in the team during 2017 and played 21 games, which included all three of Geelong’s Finals matches in a brilliant debut season, which saw him awarded the Club’s Best Young Player Award.

He would continue to grow from there and quickly established himself as one of the competition’s best medium-sized defenders, earning a first All-Australian blazer in 2018, just his second season at the top level.

It would prove to be the start of an incredible and consistent stretch for Stewart, who earned five All-Australian selections in six years between 2018 and 2023, firmly cementing his standing among the top echelon of players across the AFL.

During that span, Stewart also won two Carji Greeves Medals with his first coming in 2021, followed by another victory in 2023.

Stewart has been integral to Geelong’s sustained period of success, featuring in two Grand Finals and one premiership, playing a pivotal role in the Cats’ 2022 triumph.

His leadership has also been recognised by his fellow teammates and coaches, with Stewart selected as Geelong’s Vice-Captain in 2022, a role he continues to serve in through 2026.

Stewart’s 200th game follows several milestone celebrations so far in 2026, which includes Mark Blicavs’ 300th game and Jake Kolodjashnij’s 200th, both coming in Geelong’s Round 6 win over the Western Bulldogs.

Stewart has played the most games alongside Blicavs throughout his career, with the pair featuring in 184 games as teammates with a record of 122 wins, 61 losses and one draw across that span.