[1] Stubbs, a Tasmanian Schoolboys All-Australian, played his early football for Devonport.
[2] He went to St. Bernard's College after moving to Victoria and represented the state at Teal Cup level.
[2][3] In the 12th round of the 1988 VFL season, Stubbs made his Essendon debut and kicked goals with his first two kicks in league football (against Fitzroy at Waverley Park).
[4] A wingman, Stubbs played again the following round, a loss to Footscray.
[4] In 1989 he took a break from league football but returned in 1990 for one final appearance, Essendon's win over Richmond in round 17.