Toughness Has More Than One Meaning
Australian Rules football has always celebrated toughness. We remember the bone-crunching hits, the fearless leaps into packs, the players who limped off bloodied and returned moments later. But there is another kind of toughness — mental toughness — the ability to read the game under pressure, make the right decision when bodies are flying, and maintain composure when fatigue and fear creep in.
Ian Stewart possessed both forms in abundance.
Across two great clubs and more than a decade at the elite level, Stewart proved himself not just brave, but brilliantly intelligent — a footballer who combined courage, skill, balance, and game sense in a way few before or since have matched. His career places him firmly among the most complete players the game has ever seen.
A Natural Footballer With an Old Head
From the moment Stewart arrived at St Kilda in the early 1960s, it was clear he was different. He didn’t just chase the ball — he anticipated where it would be next. He didn’t just win contests — he shaped them.
What set Stewart apart was his concentration and awareness. Even amid chaos, he appeared calm, balanced, and purposeful. Teammates trusted him implicitly because he rarely wasted possession, and opponents knew that if Stewart was near the contest, he would emerge with the football more often than not.
This football intelligence would become the defining thread of his career.
Courage Without Recklessness
Stewart’s courage was unquestioned, but it was never reckless for the sake of bravado. He understood timing, angles, and space. That made him devastating.
He was renowned for:
- Marking courageously in packs despite not being a big-bodied player
- Backing into oncoming traffic to take overhead marks
- Winning hard balls at ground level and emerging upright
- Standing tall late in games when others tired
There were countless occasions where Stewart would mark over or amongst packs, absorbing contact while maintaining control of his body — a skill that required supreme balance and fearlessness in equal measure.
The Complete Footballer
Calling Ian Stewart a midfielder doesn’t do him justice. He was genuinely positionless by modern standards.
He could:
- Win contested ball inside
- Spread forward and hit the scoreboard
- Drift back and intercept
- Kick accurately on both sides
- Handball with precision in traffic
Superbly balanced and agile, Stewart possessed evasive skills that allowed him to glide through congestion. He was as effective in wet, heavy conditions as he was on dry grounds — a testament to his adaptability and clean hands.
In today’s football language, Stewart would be called a complete midfielder. In his era, he was simply called brilliant.
Partnerships With Immortals
Great players elevate those around them, and Stewart did exactly that through his partnerships with two of the game’s most iconic figures.
At St Kilda, he formed a devastating combination with Darrel Baldock. Baldock’s brilliance and leadership were well complemented by Stewart’s composure and ball use. Together, they became the intellectual heartbeat of the Saints during their most successful era.
Later at Richmond, Stewart aligned with Royce Hart, another all-time great. That combination helped drive the Tigers toward premiership success and further cemented Stewart’s reputation as a player who could thrive in any elite environment.
Three Brownlows: Rare Air Indeed
Only four players in the history of the game have won three Brownlow Medals — Haydn Bunton Sr., Bob Skilton, Ian Stewart, and Dick Reynolds.
That statistic alone places Stewart in football’s most exclusive company.
His Brownlow wins in 1965, 1966, and 1971 came across different teams and phases of his career, highlighting not only sustained excellence but adaptability. Umpires don’t award votes lightly across multiple seasons unless a player consistently dominates contests while playing the game in the right spirit — something Stewart did effortlessly.
Premiership Success at Two Clubs
While individual brilliance is one thing, premiership success is the ultimate team measure — and Stewart delivered at the highest level.
He was a VFL premiership player twice:
- 1966 with St Kilda, part of the club’s most famous era
- 1973 with Richmond, contributing to the Tigers’ emerging dynasty
Winning flags at two different clubs in different roles speaks volumes about his value. Stewart wasn’t just a system player — he was a difference-maker.
Leadership and Respect
Stewart captained St Kilda in 1969, a role that suited his calm authority. He led through action rather than theatrics, earning respect through preparation, courage, and consistency.
His leadership style mirrored his playing style: measured, intelligent, and reliable. Coaches trusted him. Teammates followed him. Opponents planned for him — and often failed.
Recognition as a True Legend
When the Australian Football Hall of Fame was inaugurated in 1996, Stewart was among the very first inductees. Just one year later, he was elevated to Legend status — an honour reserved only for the game’s most transformative figures.
He has since been named in:
- St Kilda Team of the Century (Centre)
- Richmond Team of the Century
- St Kilda Hall of Fame – Legend
- Richmond Hall of Fame
These honours reflect how both clubs — and the broader football community — view his impact.
Life Beyond Playing: Coach and Administrator
After retiring as a player, Stewart continued to serve the game as a coach and administrator. He coached South Melbourne and Carlton, and later worked in administration at St Kilda.
While coaching success is often judged harshly by win-loss records, Stewart’s football intellect was never in doubt. He understood structures, systems, and player development at a deep level — knowledge built through years of elite competition.
Career Snapshot: Ian Stewart
Playing Career
- St Kilda: 1963–1970
- Richmond: 1972–1975
Games: 205
Goals: 80
Playing Honours
- 3× Brownlow Medal: 1965, 1966, 1971
- 2× VFL Premiership Player: 1966, 1973
- 2× St Kilda Best & Fairest: 1964, 1966
- Richmond Best & Fairest: 1971
- All-Australian: 1966
- St Kilda Captain: 1969
- Championship of Australia Winner: 1973
- Australian Football Hall of Fame: Inducted 1996, Legend 1997
Coaching Career
- South Melbourne: 1976–1977, 1979–1981
- Carlton: 1978
Games Coached: 114
Legacy: A Player for All Eras
Ian Stewart would excel in any era of football.
In today’s AFL, he would be:
- A dominant inside-outside midfielder
- A trusted leader in high-pressure moments
- A coach’s dream for versatility and football IQ
But more than that, he represents a timeless football truth: skill and intelligence, combined with courage, always endure.
Ian Stewart wasn’t just tough.
He was smart.
And that made him unstoppable.