Until this year, however, the shortest man on Geelong's list found it tough to climb the pecking order.
"We've had so many good midfielders over the years, so it was hard to get in there," Stokes said.
"And when I did get in there, I'd get kicked out."
But after a big summer on the track and numerous discussions with senior coach Chris Scott, Stokes has this season achieved his goal of becoming a regular member of one of the competition's best midfields.
And the move has paid off handsomely. Through the first seven rounds, the 28-year-old has been among the Cats' top half-dozen performers, averaging 26 possessions per game and booting eight goals.
"Stokesy had an exceptional pre-season and he started a bit earlier than most guys," Geelong defender Tom Lonergan told CatsTV.
"He's done some unbelievable work in the midfield and he has taken his game to a new level."
At this stage of 2012 Stokes was averaging just 11.5 touches per game.
"He was disappointed in his year last year, and he was aware that we were going to look to promote some younger types that played a similar position to him, which provided an opportunity," Geelong coach Chris Scott said.
"It meant that he could push further up the field and he's taken the opportunity with both hands.
"He adds a slightly different look to our midfield. He finds the footy; he uses it really well.
"He's a really smart, natural footballer, Stokesy, so … we're very, very pleased with his progress."
Scott admits he is "mildly surprised, to be honest" with how well Stokes has played.
But he is keen to praise Stokes for continually insisting that he was good enough to compete with the best midfielders in the competition.
"Obviously, not every player can get what they're after all the time," Scott said. "The priorities of the team have to come first.
"But where their wishes and ours are aligned it becomes a pretty simple discussion."
Stokes continued his great form by gathering 24 touches, taking 11 marks and kicking three goals in last Friday night's 28-point victory over Essendon at Etihad Stadium.
"I'm really happy with where I'm at, but it's a long season," he said.
"It just makes winning a little bit better when you're playing well. It makes the whole week better.
"I'm really thankful the coaches have given the opportunity in the midfield, because we've got so many good midfielders."
Adam McNicol covers Geelong news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_AdamMcNicol
