Worries Intensify for $750k-a-Season Geelong Star Amidst Mystery Absence and Reports of Fallout

Tyson Stengle, a prominent player for Geelong, has yet to take to the field this season, having stepped away from the game for personal reasons during the off-season. Recent reports suggest that his return is still uncertain.

Since the Gather Round, the forward has reportedly maintained only limited communication with the club, amid discussions of a fallout involving him, key club figures, and even his management team.

On Wednesday, SEN reporter Sam Edmund highlighted that Stengle’s recent conduct has raised concerns, prompting the club to prioritise his wellbeing.

Although he has returned to the club after his personal break, Stengle has not been a stable presence at training since Gather Round.

At 27, he has played 93 matches for Geelong, following stints at Richmond and Adelaide. Stengle was instrumental in the club’s 2022 premiership triumph, earning a spot in the All-Australian team and securing a contract reportedly valued at $750,000 per season until the end of 2029.

His comeback story is remarkable, considering he was delisted by Adelaide midway through his contract in 2021 due to an incident involving an alleged illicit substance during the previous off-season.

Since joining the Cats, he has evolved into one of the league’s top small forwards, netting 160 goals over four seasons.

Currently, the situation remains uncertain, with Geelong reportedly unclear on when Stengle will be able to return.

It marks a stark contrast to earlier in the season when coach Chris Scott indicated that Stengle was nearing a comeback.

Before Geelong’s round six victory over the Western Bulldogs, Andrew Mackie, the club’s head of football, stated they are once again being cautious with the talented forward.

“I can’t put a timeline on it. We’re taking the time to ensure that Tyson and everyone else are in good mental and physical shape,” Mackie told AFL Nation.

Reports from Channel Seven on Tuesday suggested that the AFL needs to give the green light for Stengle’s return to training and matches, following their stringent medical wellbeing protocols, which are kept under wraps.

However, Mackie indicated that the decision lies with the club. “No, the AFL isn’t dictating when he returns. We’ll continue discussing that internally. I understand the interest in Tyson, but we must focus on what needs to be done, closely working with all parties involved,” he stated.

In July 2024, Stengle was admitted to hospital after being carried out of a nightclub at 2.30 a.m., an incident the club captain Patrick Dangerfield later described as an “error in judgement.”

Wide World of Sports has reached out to Geelong for further comments regarding the situation.