Premiership Cat takes leave from club to deal with personal situation

Premiership Cat Tyson Stengle has taken personal leave away from the club with doubts now surrounding him on if he’ll be back for Geelong’s opening round clash with Gold Coast in March.

Geelong released the following statement on Monday explaining his current situation with the football club.

"Geelong Cats forward Tyson Stengle has been granted additional leave from the Club and pre-season training," Geelong said.

"Its expected Tyson will return to training in the short term, and the Club will continue to work closely with Tyson and his management.

"Geelong Cats Executive General Manager of Football Andrew Mackie said:

“Tyson’s welfare is our priority and, with the support of the Club, he’ll be given the time he needs before returning to training.”

Stengle, who is coming off a season where he averaged 12.3 disposals, 3 marks and 1.4 goals a game, has been a main stay in Geelong’s forward 50 for the past four seasons.

The 27-year-old earned All-Australian honours in his first season at the Cats in 2022, where they also won their first premiership in 11 years.

There is still hope at the club that Stengle could return to training in the next few weeks, despite the possibility of him missing the club’s first game of the season still a strong chance.

Stengle re-signed with the Cats in 2024 on a five-year-deal, knocking back strong interest from St Kilda at the time.