Geelong forward Tyson Stengle has yet to make his season debut, having taken personal leave during the off-season, and indications suggest he may not return to play in the immediate future. Reports suggest his communication with the club has been inconsistent since the Gather Round, leading to speculation about tensions between Stengle, club officials, and even his management team.
SEN reporter Sam Edmund noted that Stengle’s recent behaviour has raised concerns for his welfare among the club hierarchy. Although he has come back from his break, Stengle has not regularly attended training sessions.
At 27, Stengle’s career with Geelong has spanned 93 games after previous stints at Richmond and Adelaide. He was pivotal during the club’s 2022 premiership victory and earned an All-Australian selection, signing a lucrative contract that extends to 2029, reportedly worth $750,000 annually. This success is particularly notable given his past challenges, including being delisted by Adelaide in 2021 due to off-field issues related to an illicit substance.
Despite a promising career revival where he scored 160 goals in four seasons at Geelong, uncertainty now surrounds his return. Coach Chris Scott had previously indicated that Stengle was nearing a comeback, but recent developments have cast doubt on that timeline.
Geelong’s head of football, Andrew Mackie, stated that the club is cautiously managing Stengle’s situation, prioritising his well-being over a rushed return. He emphasised the internal nature of the discussions regarding Stengle’s return and clarified that the AFL’s medical protocols do not dictate his training and playing schedule, although the league is monitoring his situation.
In a related concern, Stengle was hospitalised in July 2024 following an incident at a nightclub, described by the club captain, Patrick Dangerfield, as “an error in judgement.” This incident has further underscored the necessity for careful consideration regarding his fitness and readiness to participate in training and matches.
As the situation unfolds, Geelong remains focused on ensuring that Stengle receives the support he requires to facilitate a successful return to the field.