After just one game, new Cats defender Tom Stewart is addicted to AFL football and the hard work it demands.

The mature-aged recruit was plucked from Geelong’s VFL system in last November’s national draft and has quietly yet quickly sought to carve himself a spot within the Cats’ back six.

Stewart collected 16 disposals, eight marks and six tackles against Hawthorn in the Geelong's opening JLT Community Series fixture last week, and looks likely to forge an even stronger case for an AFL debut if selected in the side’s next pre-season match against Adelaide.

“If round one is up for talk then I am stoked – but I’ve still got this weekend and two more JLT games to get through if I’m lucky enough to get selected and put my hand up,” Stewart told the Geelong Advertiser.

“It was pretty awesome [playing in the JLT Community Series]. I suppose it doesn’t really count [as a senior game] but it was cool to get out there and have the experience of running alongside those blokes.”

“Hopefully it’s the first of many.”

Though considered “ready-made”, take nothing away from the 23-year-old’s maiden performance.

Stewart built a reputation in the VFL through strong, aggressive aerial displays and his ability to read the play from defence. Despite being limited with injury through the early stages of this pre-season, the South Barwon-product was still able to show those traits and prove he deserves an opportunity.

“When I came here I had a bit of a shoulder reconstruction so when I went out on the track with the main group I really wanted to earn the respect of the playing group and really show myself, the playing group and the coaching staff that I do belong down here,” Stewart said.

“I am here to work. It’s still a long road (to earn respect), I haven’t played a game of AFL football yet and there is a long way to go but I just want to keep ticking boxes each week.”

The Cats will travel to Richmond Oval and face Adelaide for their second match-up of the JLT Community Series on Sunday March 5.