Herb Zurkowsky
The Gazette

MONTREAL -- It has been an annual tradition, or so it seems, for Anwar Stewart each year when he reports for training camp. It always appears he's on the bubble, and yet, when the season begins, he finds his way onto the Alouettes' 42-man roster.

Perhaps next season will be different, especially after Montreal head coach Marc Trestman told Stewart, after the Grey Cup, that he was wanted.

"I think I've been disappointed so many times," Stewart, a rush- end, said from his offseason home in Atlanta. "No matter how I've played, I go into training camp, no matter my status, I go in and get it done.

"Now, maybe I can feel more confident it's my job to lose."

Although he'll be 33 in February, the Als announced yesterday that Stewart, a potential free agent, has re-signed for a year and an option. It's likely the final contract of his career. Stewart becomes the third Montreal player since last week, following Étienne Boulay and Bryan Chiu, to commit to the team.

Boulay, a safety, could have become a free agent, while centre Chiu simply decided to continue his career, fulfilling the option year of his contract.

The 2009 season will be the eighth in Montreal for the 6-foot-2, 251-pound Stewart, named the Canadian Football League's outstanding defensive player in 2004. He was consistent and reliable, as usual, in 2008, with four quarterback sacks, an interception and five passes knocked down. He also recorded 27 defensive tackles, four on special teams and had one tackle for a loss.

"I think they need somebody like me, for security ... and to get the guys going," Stewart said. "I still have to go out and perform, but I think I played pretty solid. At age 33, I'll have to go out and play smart, show leadership and show the young guys how to get it done ... show them the proper work ethic.

"A lot of guys decide just to come back, but I'm coming back to win."

Als assistant general manager Marcel Desjardins said there's no compensation for experience; especially veterans who continue playing at a high level.

"You need to have guys with some longevity," Desjardins said. "He has been performing for us. Obviously, he's a veteran and a guy who has been around. A guy who leads by example and effort. He never stops and he's a guy the coaches wanted back.

"Obviously, last year he came in with more uncertainty because we had changed coaches. But he battled and proved he belonged."

Stewart told The Gazette following the Grey Cup he hoped to have a new contract in place before returning home for the holidays. The process took less than two weeks and was concluded following about five or six hours of negotiations, he explained.

Stewart believes the Als can remain strong, and only hopes the nucleus of veterans - including quarterback Anthony Calvillo, slotback Ben Cahoon and guard Scott Flory - returns.

Stewart also said he'd like to see the defence play more aggressively next season. Montreal primarily utilized a zone defence, allowing significant yards, but not necessarily many points in several games. That included the Grey Cup, in which they lost to Calgary despite surrendering only one touchdown.

"We've got to play more man, and I know we've got the guys to do it," Stewart said. "My goals remain high. I'm excited to get back in and get it done. That (Cup defeat) left a sour taste in my mouth."

Courtesy: www.montrealgazette.com