Stewart makes his AFL mark

Katanning AFL product Kade Stewart is the toast of the town this week after making his debut for Hawthorn at the weekend in an arm wrestle against Melbourne that saw the reigning premiers triumph by three goals.

Stewart collected 16 possessions, laid nine tackles and kicked a crucial goal for the Hawks in the final quarter to break the deadlock with the Demons.

Speaking with the online video channel Hawks TV, Stewart said his first game was a dream come true.

“It is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” he said.

Stewart said the wet and windy conditions suited his game style.

“Being a small bodied fella it’s something you really enjoy doing in the wet conditions, obviously the ball is on the deck a lot so it just my style of play to be there and for the boys get the win in those tough conditions against the Dees is a really good result,” he said.

Stewart’s first game in the AFL wasn’t without controversy however, with experts and commentators weighing in on the legitimacy of a free kick in front of goal which was awarded to young debutant after he ducked into a tackle.

Melbourne players let Stewart know of their displeasure at his tactics as a small fracas broke out between several players of both teams.

At the post-game press conference Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said ducking into tackles was a hot topic in the football world at the moment.

“Mark (Evans, AFL football operations general manager) has been out their saying we don’t want to make the head a free hit,” he said.

“At the moment players are using their heads as an opportunity to win a free kick and that is what is dangerous, very, very dangerous.

Clarkson said the interpretation of the rule was unlikely to change this year as the AFL moved “slower than government in some incidences”.