Geelong Cats premiership player Tyson Stengle has extended his time away from the club, remaining on personal leave following the Christmas break.
Stengle's Extended Absence Post-Christmas
The 27-year-old small forward has not returned to GMHBA Stadium with the rest of the playing group after training resumed following the holiday period. This continues a leave period that began earlier than scheduled in December, as Stengle navigates personal challenges away from the field.
Club officials and teammates hope to see Stengle back at the club within the next few weeks. However, the exact timeline for his return remains fluid, casting uncertainty over his availability and spot in the team's line-up for the start of the 2026 AFL season.
AFL Players on Personal Leave
Stengle is now the second high-profile AFL footballer to remain away from his club on personal leave after the Christmas break. He joins Collingwood's Norm Smith medallist, Bobby Hill, who is also currently absent from the Magpies as he deals with his own situation.
The Cats are scheduled to begin their 2026 campaign against the Gold Coast Suns at People First Stadium on March 6 in the league's Opening Round.
A Career Resurgence at Geelong
Stengle's journey at Geelong represents one of the AFL's great redemption stories. He was delisted by the Adelaide Crows in March 2021 after an incident involving an illicit substance. The Cats offered him a career lifeline, which he seized emphatically.
His impact was immediate and profound:
- He was named an All-Australian in his debut season with Geelong.
- He played a crucial role in the Cats' 2022 premiership triumph.
- He rejected a lucrative offer from St Kilda to re-sign with Geelong on a five-year deal in 2024.
- Last season, he was a consistent performer, booting 34 goals and playing in 24 out of a possible 26 games.
The club and its supporters will be eagerly awaiting positive news regarding Stengle's wellbeing and his eventual return to the fold, as they build towards another flag assault.
