Nineteen year-old James Stewart will become the eighth GIANTS player to debut this season when he plays against the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium on Sunday.

Recruited from Sandringham, Stewart was drafted with pick 27 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft. 

Stewart’s father Craig played 150 VFL games for Collingwood and Richmond from 1978 to 1986.

The 195cm utility could have gone to Collingwood under the Father/Son rule but instead was one of six Victorians drafted to join the GIANTS over the summer.

Stewart says his Dad was one of the first people he spoke to after he was told he was going to make his debut.

“Dad’s helped me to develop as a footballer from an early age and he’s been massive and some one I always go to for advice and he’s been a great support,” said Stewart.

“I rang my Dad as soon as I found out and he said he was thrilled for me. He said to make sure I eat plenty and get good rest throughout the week and that’ll help settle the nerves a bit.”

Stewart’s debut will mean every player taken by the GIANTS in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft has played AFL this season.

“I’m very excited. I was hoping to sneak a game in this season and to get one in for the last game, Sheeds last match as coach is really exciting,” said Stewart. 

“I’ve spoken to my good friend Kristian Jaksch who debuted last week about the nerves coming in and how to prepare in that way.”