Tom Stewart is relishing the chance to get some well earned rest at home, before launching into his first full length pre season since joining the Cats at the end of 2016.
The star defender was once again a shining light for Geelong this season, being selected in the All-Australian team for the fifth time in six years while averaging over 23 disposals per game.
Stewart said despite missing out on September action, it provides a great chance for the club to rest and recover before coming back stronger than ever in 2024.
"I think it is important to look at it as a positive, Chris Scott and Steve Hocking lead that ever-optimistic outlook on what is ahead for us,” Stewart told K rock.
"It's good to take stock a bit, the kids are a bit sick of me at home already. It is nice to get home and spend some time just being a Dad for a bit, it is something I am really looking forward to.
"This year has been interesting, there have been a lot of challenges and hurdles along the way but I have grown enormously from living through this experience.
"I am excited to have a rest, to get home and put the feet up, but not for too long.”
Since Stewart joined Geelong in the 2016 AFL draft, the Cats have never missed a finals series with the 30 year old playing in two Grand Finals and two Preliminary Finals across that span.
With just three Cats managing to play every game this season, the 2023 off season will provide the team a great chance to rest and recover before beginning to build for the 2024 season.
The vice captain said that it has been a privilege to be a part what's been a historically successful run but is confident that the future remains very bright at GMHBA Stadium.
“I've played something like 14 finals in seven years at the club, which is basically another half a season,” Stewart said.
“That is an absolute blessing, we set it up every year to play finals and that was lead from Lingy's era.
"We are not there to make up the numbers, we do believe that we can win it every year.
"I know I am at the peak of my powers right now; I am excited to come back super fit and hungry to lead these young boys into what could be a really exciting future."
