South Australian football legend Alan Stewart has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the AFL Coaches' Association for his invaluable contribution to the game.

He dedicated over half a century to the sport, including 13 years as a senior recruitment officer at Adelaide, before announcing his retirement last year.

The renowned mentor started his football career back in 1966 as a player at the Central Districts Football Club and went on to also play the role of coach, recruiter and administrator for the Bulldogs.

He spent time at Port Adelaide before finishing his career with the Crows.

He joins a prestigious list of past winners including Adelaide stalwart Barrie Downs who took out the award in 2010.

AFLCA Lifetime Achievement Award winners

2018 – Alan Stewart (Central District, Port Adelaide, Adelaide)
2017 – John Dimmer (WA)
2016 – Mark Williams (Richmond, GWS, Port Adelaide, Essendon)
2015 – David Wheadon (Geelong, Carlton, Essendon, Collingwood, Richmond)
2014 – Neale Daniher (Melbourne, West Coast Eagles, Fremantle)
2013 – George Stone (Sydney Swans)
2012 – John Beveridge (St Kilda)
2011 – Geoff Walsh (Collingwood, North Melbourne, Carlton), Russell Ebert (Port Adelaide)
2010 – Barrie Downs (Adelaide Crows)
2009 – Bruce Reid (Essendon), Ian Reynolds (Essendon)
2008 – Ian Ridley (Melbourne)
2007 – Wally Miller (SA)
2006 – Dr John Grant (VIC)
2005 – John Todd (WA)
2004 – Neil Kerley (SA)
2003 – Hayden Bunton Jnr (WA)