Paul Stewart clocks up his long-awaited 50th AFL game this weekend against Richmond. It’s been a long time coming for the second-round draft pick, who has adapted into one of the most versatile players in the Port Adelaide side.

Stewart was recruited from Woodville-West Torrens in 2006, debuting for Port Adelaide in the opening round of 2008, but had since been plagued by injuries to his hip and shoulder.

His half-century has been highly anticipated but Stewart will be treating it like any other match as he seeks to help the Power to an important victory in the midfield.

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“I’m not too hung up on it (playing my 50th game). It’s just another game and another game that I’ll prepare for in exactly the same way,” Stewart told PortAdelaideFC.com.au

“I’d expect nothing but a win but personally it’s a good achievement - a good start - I’m looking forward to the challenge (of the next fifty).”

Stewart has evolved into a versatile utility having been employed across half-back and on the wing by coach Matthew Primus this year.

With so much pressure for starting spots in the Port Adelaide line up, Stewart sees the opportunity to play wherever required as an opportunity to develop into a valuable all-rounder.

“I don’t want to be settled and happy with my spot,” he said.

“I want to work for it every week, and I think every player should keep their position in the team like that.

“I’m happy to play any role whether it’s down back, on the wing, starting on the bench or even as sub - I’m happy as long as the team’s doing the right thing and we’re trying to win each week.”

The resolve to overcome two stints with injury has been important for Stewart in reaching his milestone and with fellow teammates going down with injury this year, Stewart says a positive outlook is critical to getting through the tougher times of an AFL career.

“Injuries happen to every AFL player and obviously everyone has their own story - last year with my shoulder it was a real test for me personally,” he said.

“Going into surgery in round six, then having to wait out eight months until the next pre-season was very tough.

“I just kept in the loop with the team - it was an average year - but I tried to keep myself and all the boys positive and trained hard to get ready for this year’s pre-season.

“You have to just stay positive - that’s the biggest thing - there’s no point in feeling sorry for yourself, you just have to get on with it.”

Stewart has been named in the midfield against Richmond this week but is looking to improve along with the rest of the Power side after a number of tough losses.

“The last few weeks have been an O.K. start personally, but you always want to play better and want the team winning.”

“We’ve been really close in most of the games and we’re really disappointed that we haven’t got at least two or three wins, and that we’re stuck on one (win).

“We just have to keep going week in, week out to our best ability to get there.”

“It’s a massive game for the club”.

Paul Stewart has played 49 games for Port Adelaide after being selected in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft with pick No. 23.