Geelong quartet Tom Stewart, Lachie Fogarty, Charlie Constable and Mark O’Connor have agreed to new contracts with the Cats.



A mature age draftee, Stewart’s successful career at local club South Barwon led him to the Geelong VFL and after an impressive 2016 season at VFL level, was selected by the Cats at pick 40 in the 2016 national draft. His new contract will see him standing proudly with the Cats until the end of 2021.



Stewart played 21 games in his debut season, averaging 15 possessions while earning a permanent spot among the Cats back six.



The 25-year-old placed fifth in the club’s best & fairest last season and was named the club’s best young player for his run off the backline and his work curbing the influence of his direct opponents.



He has continued his impressive form into 2018, averaging 20 disposals a game. Stewart has played 31 games in the blue and white hoops since debuting in round 1, 2017.



“I’m very grateful to be in the position I’m in, playing at this fantastic club,” Stewart said.



“There was absolutely no hesitation to sign and I was very proud when they (the club) came to me with the extra couple of years.”



Fogarty and Constable sign on until the end of 2021 after strong starts to their careers.



Fogarty, a small forward, played the first seven consecutive games of the season, averaging 14 disposals.



Constable, a versatile midfielder, was a second-round selection in the 2017 national draft and has played five games at VFL level as he pushes for an AFL debut.



O’Connor has signed a one-year extension with the Cats, taking the Irishman into a third AFL season. After three games at AFL level, O’Connor continues to hone his craft in Geelong’s VFL side.



Geelong’s General Manager of Football Simon Lloyd said the club is thrilled to secure the talented quartet.



“Tom is heavily invested in our football program, consistently driving club standards and endeavouring to be better. He typifies what the club stands for and with his football continuing to grow, challenges himself and the group to go to another level,” Lloyd said.



“Tom’s passion for Geelong as a club and region is genuine, he is committed to giving back to the football community who shaped him as the footballer he is today.



“Lachie and Charlie have demonstrated early in their careers their strong work ethic and their understanding of the game. They both constantly seek to learn from their experienced teammates.



“Lachie has shown he can make a significant contribution at AFL level and Charlie continues to push for AFL selection with consistent form through the midfield in the VFL.



“Mark’s dramatic improvement in his understanding of our code speaks volumes to his work ethic.



“He has taken a proactive ownership of his career, seeking out coaches and teammates to improve his game, week upon week Mark has demonstrated the attributes it takes to play at the highest level.



“Tom, Lachie, Charlie and Mark all have an opportunity to grow their game and as a club, we will be better for that in the future.



“Members and supporters of the club should be excited to watch their development as footballers.”