Geelong faces a tough challenge in keeping their dynamic small forward, Tyson Stengle, who will be out of contract at the end of the 2024 AFL season. Stengle, a standout player who was named All-Australian in 2022, has caught the attention of several rival clubs eager to lure him away from the Cats.
This season, Stengle has been in excellent form, scoring 27 goals in 13 games. His consistent performance includes scoring multiple goals in nine matches and achieving four-goal hauls twice. He has maintained a remarkable streak by scoring in his last twelve games and has accumulated 78 score involvements, placing him among the top 25 players in the AFL.
Tom Morris of 9News has noted that without his longtime mentor Eddie Betts at Geelong, Stengle might be inclined to join the highest bidder from a Melbourne-based club. Betts, a former teammate at the Adelaide Crows, played a significant role in Stengle’s move to Geelong, but his departure could impact Stengle’s decision to stay.
Stengle’s career took a positive turn after his stint with the Crows, where he played 14 games between 2019 and 2020. Following his release before the 2021 season, he excelled in the SANFL for Woodville West Torrens, which led to his recruitment by Geelong in 2022. His return to the AFL was marked by an outstanding season, where he kicked 53 goals, earned All-Australian honors, and was part of Geelong’s premiership team.
Scott Gullan from the Herald Sun suggests that Stengle could receive offers around $800,000 from rival clubs. Teams like Essendon and St Kilda are reportedly interested, and Geelong may struggle to match these lucrative offers, potentially reaching only up to $600,000. Stengle, at 25, is seeking a significant contract that could define his career.
Port Adelaide’s Kane Cornes expressed his hope on SEN that Stengle would remain loyal to Geelong, acknowledging the club’s crucial role in revitalizing his career. While understanding the financial lure of higher offers, Cornes emphasized the importance of considering the support and opportunities Geelong has provided Stengle.
As the season progresses, Geelong will need to navigate these competitive offers to retain one of their key players, whose performance has been vital to their success. Stengle’s decision will be influenced by a mix of loyalty and the pursuit of a lucrative and secure future in the AFL.
