The former North Ballarat Rooster and Newlyn premiership player-coach arrived back in Australia on Wednesday after two years in Britain. And, despite not having played footy in Australia for 24 months, Stewart is so highly regarded by East Point coach Michael Hynes and the rest of the Kangaroos leadership group, he will go straight into the senior team for the must-win match against Melton.

"(Stewart) is a more than handy pick up. He was being chased by Ballarat, Redan and Lake Wendouree. I coached him when he was playing VFL at North and I think that's what got us across the line," Hynes said. "He's a hard-at-it centreman and will be very handy when we come up against teams like Darley and Sunbury especially.

"Initially we had him named in the seconds but, due to injury and unavailability we've put him straight into the seniors with the full blessing of the leadership group."

Stewart arrived at North Ballarat from Lake Wendouree in 2001 playing eight senior matches and 11 reserves games. The following year Stewart took on the job of captain-coach at Newlyn, guiding the club to a premiership.

The 28-year-old has played two Aussie Rules football seasons in England earning a league best and fairest and a club best and fairest, Hynes said.

"It might take Damien a couple of weeks to get up to speed but he looks in good shape," Hynes said.