Tom Stewart on Blicavs’ 300th milestone

Geelong veteran Mark Blicavs is set to celebrate his 300th AFL game this Friday night, with teammate Tom Stewart leading the tributes ahead of the milestone clash at GMHBA Stadium.

Speaking on SEN Breakfast, Stewart painted a vivid picture of the man behind one of football’s most unique careers, describing Blicavs as central to the club’s culture both on and off the field.

“He’s a character, he’s a connector and he’s probably the life of the party off field.”

“But he’s a magnificent person.”

Blicavs’ journey from Olympic steeplechaser to AFL mainstay has been widely celebrated, but Stewart said his greatest strength lies in his ability to bring people together.

“He has this remarkable ability to be able to find a rapport with anybody from our oldest player on our list to a kid who’s finding his way in their first year.”

“He’s a special human who is a really, really good man.”

That connection has translated into his on-field value, with Blicavs’ versatility making him one of the most important players in Geelong’s system.

“He’s always had that happy knack of just impacting on every position that he finds himself in.”

“He holds that in high regard in his ability to impact games in every single phase of the game, offence, defence, transition, stoppage.”

Stewart also highlighted the personal bond he shares with Blicavs, forged through both success and adversity across their time at the club.

“I’ve relied on him as much as any of my teammates over the journey, not only a teammate on field, but somebody that I can confide in.”

“We’ve shared the ultimate in winning a premiership together, but we’ve also had some tough pills to swallow.”

While full of praise, Stewart joked there is at least one flaw in Blicavs’ game.

“He’s definitely the best player I’ve ever played with that doesn’t know which foot he’s actually dominant on.”

As Geelong prepares to honour Blicavs under lights, Stewart said the occasion will be fitting recognition for a player who has given so much to the club.

“I think you’ll see him well and truly celebrated in accordance to that on Friday night.”