It was fitting that listening to K rock Football’s post game interview with Tom Stewart from the rooms on Saturday you could hear a well worn Paul Kelly song playing at volume in the background.

I’m high on the hill
Looking over the bridge
To the MCG

It was symbolic of where the Cats find themselves going into the 2022 finals series on the back of a 13 game winning streak and a date with Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday week.

With the pre-finals bye now a fixture, and the MCG like a beacon in the distance, history will have to wait a little longer to be written for this team, but hey will go in the game as finely tuned as any of the premiership contenders.    

Asked if there is a different feel around this Geelong team in comparison to other years, Stewart’s answer was clear: there is, but there should be too.

“I just think it's another year in our system and another year of growth from the younger boys.” he told K rock. “There are some special players coming through.” 

“I can see firsthand, Sam De Koning, who I think is one of the best in the comp, and then blokes like Max Holmes, Gryan Miers, Tom Atkins, these blokes who have spent another year in getting preparation for the game.

“I just think we're sort of seeing the fruits of our labour with that, it's just growth and we're doing it all together and we are ready.”

Even at a club like Geelong where finals are a habit – the Cats have competed in 15 of the last 16 finals series’ – the pull of September doesn’t lose it’s magic according to Stewart. 

“It’s sort of a pinch yourself moment after last year for me but I couldn't be more grateful to be a part of this team at the moment,” he said. 

“We're all doing it for each other, we're all loving it and we're enjoying the ride. It's a really special moment to be back there again.” 

Stewart missed four games due to suspension in the back half of the season, but after being sidelined during last season’s finals due to injury, he didn’t want to hear any talk about feeling extra fresh due to the layoff, rather, September can’t come quick enough. 

“I couldn't care less,” he said. 

“I wouldn't want to miss any footy if I could avoid it, I missed enough last year and obviously my suspension was something I had to deal with personally, but being back and feeling good is good for the body but I wish I had of played every game this year.”