MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: James Stewart of Essendon celebrates kicking a goal during the VFL Semi Final match between Richmond and Essendon at North Port Oval on September 8, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Former Essendon and GWS swingman James Stewart is said to have found a new club following his exit from the Bombers, making the move to local level football.
The Dons delisted Stewart at the cessation of the 2023 AFL season despite having a year to run on his contract at Tullamarine, with Essendon looking to go in a different direction to the 29-year-old.
That decision saw Stewart's 60-game, seven-year stint in the red and black come to an end - a stint that started in 2017 after the 199cm talent made the move back to Victoria from Sydney's west.
Stewart was drafted to the Giants in 2012 as the 27th overall selection and would manage 18 games across four seasons, mostly playing as a forward target.
The versatile key-position ex-Bomber's last game in the top flight game came against GWS in 2022 - a year he made just six matches for Essendon.
The Glen Iris junior is now set to serve VAFA club Uni Blues in 2024, with News Corp reporting Stewart's transfer has been lodged.
The expected signing of Stewart comes after the Blues landed the signature of delisted Port Adelaide ruckman Sam Hayes during the off-season.
Hayes has returned to Victoria following six years at Alberton Oval, where he amassed 11 AFL appearances.
Following their 13-win campaign, the Uni Blues fell a game short of the 2023 grand final - losing to St Kevins in the finals.
Their opening game of the coming season will take place in mid-April against Old Brighton.