’HONOURED’ STEWY IS CROWNED TOP CAT

THE stunning rise of Tom Stewart from obscurity to AFL superstar continued on Thursday night, with the defender crowned Geelong’s best-andfairest player for 2021. Stewart, who was plucked from the VFL by the Cats with pick 40 in the 2016 National Draft as a 23-year-old, claimed his first Carji Greeves Medal by just two votes, holding out fellow backman Jack Henry, with veteran Tom Hawkins rounding out the placegetters.

His win capped another stellar season that saw him rewarded with a third All-Australian blazer and came despite the fact that he missed Geelong’s last five games of the year through injury.

Incredibly, Stewart (pictured) has played just five years and 106 games for the Cats, but has now finished inside the top six in the best-andfairest on four occasions.

He said he could never have imagined being placed among the greats of Geelong when he was drafted five years ago.

“I am obviously extremely humbled and absolutely honoured to be recognised this year as the Carji Greeves medallist,” Stewart said.

“I never thought I’d see myself in this light and it is extremely overwhelming at the moment to be told this but I am obviously extremely proud and very honoured to be among some of the greats of the Geelong footy club.

“I (want to thank) my teammates and all the boys who allow me not to play on anyone basically and roll off and play my game, the defenders in particular, Jacky boy (Henry), Blitz (Mark Blicavs), Hendo (Lachie Henderson), I could reel off 10 names.

“Every day really puts a smile on my face and makes work amazing to come to because really, five years ago I never thought this was going to be my job.”

Recruit Isaac Smith justified Geelong’s decision to bring him to the club, finishing fourth, while last year’s winner, Cam Guthrie, came fifth.