Geelong negotiating possible early exit for Tyson Stengle

Geelong has begun discussions with Tyson Stengle’s management about a potential early exit from the club, with the premiership forward’s time at the Cats appearing close to an end.

AFL.com.au journalist Cal Twomey reported talks were progressing between the parties about terminating the remaining three years of Stengle’s contract.

The 27-year-old has not played at AFL level this season while dealing with personal issues.

Stengle returned to football through the VFL in June, raising hopes that he could work his way back into Geelong’s senior side during the second half of the season.

However, his comeback was interrupted after he reportedly missed a flight ahead of Geelong’s following VFL match.

He has since returned to his home state of South Australia.

According to Twomey’s report, Geelong and Stengle’s management are now working towards an agreement that would bring his contract to an early conclusion.

Stengle signed a five-year deal with the Cats in 2024 after attracting interest from rival clubs.

Three seasons are still understood to remain on the contract, reportedly worth about $700,000 a year.

The negotiations are likely to centre on how much of the remaining deal Geelong must pay and how any settlement would affect the club’s salary cap over the coming seasons.

The Cats would understandably be reluctant to pay the contract in full, particularly if a large settlement continued to count towards their Total Player Payments.

However, the exact structure of any payout and its salary-cap treatment will depend on the final agreement and the AFL’s approval.

The situation also raises a broader question for the competition.

Should clubs have greater power to exit long-term contracts when players are repeatedly unavailable or fail to meet their professional obligations?

There must also be some responsibility placed on Geelong.

The Cats offered Stengle a five-year deal while knowing he had previously experienced off-field issues during his AFL career.

Long-term contracts provide players with security, but they also carry significant financial and list management risks for clubs when circumstances change.

Geelong has also previously shown strong support for Stengle during difficult periods.

In July 2024, he was involved in a nightclub incident and was taken to hospital after what the club described as a health incident.

Geelong publicly backed Stengle, while captain Patrick Dangerfield described the matter as an error in judgement.

Stengle was then selected to play against Adelaide the following week.

That support forms part of the wider picture surrounding the current negotiations.

Geelong has provided Stengle with opportunities and support throughout his time at the club, but it now appears to be considering whether the relationship can continue.

His possible departure would bring an abrupt end to a successful on-field chapter at Geelong.

Stengle has played 93 games for the Cats and kicked 160 goals since joining the club ahead of the 2022 season.

He produced a career-best campaign during his first year at Kardinia Park, earning All-Australian selection and playing an important role in Geelong’s premiership.

Stengle kicked four goals in the Cats’ dominant 2022 Grand Final victory over Sydney.

He had previously played for Richmond and Adelaide before reviving his AFL career at Geelong.

Neither Geelong nor Stengle has publicly confirmed that an agreement has been reached.

Further details about the payout, salary-cap implications and Stengle’s playing future are expected once talks between the Cats and his management are finalised.