Watch highlights from Paul Stewart in 2012 above. Can't see the video? Watch on YouTube.
Port Adelaide utility Paul Stewart has re-committed to the Power, with a new two-year contract extending his career at Alberton.
Stewart - who turned 25 last week - has developed into a versatile and consistent performer, playing in Port Adelaide’s 15 games in 2012.
Drafted from Woodville-West Torrens as a second round pick (no. 23 overall) in the 2006 AFL Draft, Stewart has reached 59 games while overcoming serious injuries including a shoulder reconstruction that restricted him to six games in 2011.
Port Adelaide coach Matthew Primus paid tribute to Stewart’s progress and his emergence as a player capable of fulfilling multiple roles at AFL level.
“It’s terrific that Paul’s decided his future is here at Alberton,” Primus said.
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“We certainly see him as a very versatile player who has played key roles for us this year in the backline in the absence of Jackson Trengove and Alipate Carlile at times and in the last month without Jay Schulz he’s gone forward and on ball and impacted on the scoreboard.
“His versatility and that capacity to impact on games is very handy for us and we know that with his age and the number of games he’s played, his best footy is still ahead and that stands us in good stead.
“Paul’s a very popular at our club and mixes well with all of the players and we see that attribute as being as important as his football ability.”
Stewart has impressed with his continual development at Alberton. In 2010 - when he played 20 games as a defender - he earned Port Adelaide’s Most Improved Award. Since his injury setback in 2011, he has taken significant further strides in this his sixth season at the club.
“A lot of work has gone into Paul’s development and he deserves plenty of credit for that,” Primus said.
“He’s very attentive and wants to learn and always improve himself.
“We’ve started to see some consistency as an AFL footballer from Paul and that’s what comes with playing 50 games.
“He now feels comfortable at this level and we are seeing a consistent performance from him whenever we play. That’s what we are developing as a club - getting players comfortable to play at AFL level.”
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Stewart - who joins Domenic Cassisi, Robbie Gray, Hamish Hartlett and Matthew Broadbent in re-signing in 2012 - says it was an easy decision.
“I’m very happy here, I’ve got a lot of good friends here and I know there’s a big upside coming very soon and it’s going great to be a part of it,” Stewart said.
“I think we’ve got a very good core group coming through. There’s a heap of 20 to 25-year-olds and we’ve got to stick together and play a lot of games together and that’s where the wins will come.
“I definitely want to be a part of that because there are some really really good players coming through and I know the success will come.”
Stewart said he is enjoying the responsibility and experience of playing a range of roles.
“I’m improving slowly I think and going from the backline now to getting a little bit through the midfield and forward, it’s freshened me up a bit,” Stewart said.
“It’s good to get another string to my bow where I can go forward or go into the midfield when Matty wants me there. I’m happy to play whatever role Matty wants to play me.
“Obviously everyone wants to get a bit more of the football, but wherever I’m playing it’s more about that defensive side of the game, looking after the defensive acts that you need to and taking it week in and week out and knowing what I’ve got to do each week.”
