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Geelong and Tyson Stengle Part Ways After Five Seasons
In a quiet yet decisive move, Geelong Football Club and small‑forward Tyson Stengle announced that they have agreed to part ways on mutual terms. The 27‑year‑old, who has played 93 games for the Cats under coach Chris Scott, has not taken the field since the 2022 grand final and has spent the 2026 season dealing with personal matters.
Stengle’s Instagram post, shared the same day, thanked the club, the fans and key figures in his career—Scott, former Cats captain Nigel Lappin, Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and Mark Worthington. He said he would step away from AFL football to return home and be with family, describing the decision as the best for his mental well‑being. The post also reflected on his time with Geelong, noting that the club had given him a second chance to play at the highest level and that winning a premiership and an All‑Australian selection were the highlights of his career.
In its official statement, Geelong added that Stengle finished his career with 109 games across three clubs—Richmond, Adelaide and Geelong—and that he had kicked 160 goals in 93 games for the Cats. Football boss Andrew Mackie wrote: “We would like to congratulate Tyson on what he has achieved over his career, including his time at Geelong. To play over 100 games, earn All‑Australian selection and be part of a Premiership team are achievements we are proud to have shared with him.” Mackie added that Stengle had shown resilience during his time at the club and that the decision to part ways was the right time for both parties to move forward.
Stengle had signed a five‑year extension with Geelong in 2024 that would have kept him on the list until the end of 2029. The mutual termination means he is now free to pursue other options. The decision came a day after Collingwood announced it was ending its relationship with 2023 premiership player Bobby Hill, who had also spent significant time away from the club due to personal matters.
Geelong’s statement did not include a comment from coach Chris Scott, who has been unable to provide details about Stengle’s absence. The club’s media release focused on the player’s contributions and its gratitude for his service.
Stengle’s departure leaves Geelong with a vacancy in the small‑forward role that the club will need to address for the remainder of the 2026 season. The Cats will look to list management and recruitment to fill the gap, while the player himself will decide whether he will return to the AFL or pursue other opportunities.
The AFL community will watch how the Cats adjust their forward line and whether Stengle’s exit will influence other clubs’ handling of players dealing with personal challenges. As the season progresses, the focus will remain on the Cats’ performance on the field and how they navigate the transition.
In summary, Tyson Stengle has ended his AFL career with Geelong after five seasons, 93 games, a premiership and an All‑Australian honour. The club and the player have agreed to part ways, with Stengle stepping away to focus on family and mental health. Geelong will need to fill the small‑forward position for the remainder of the 2026 season, while Stengle’s future in the sport remains open.
Stengle’s Instagram post, shared the same day, thanked the club, the fans and key figures in his career—Scott, former Cats captain Nigel Lappin, Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and Mark Worthington. He said he would step away from AFL football to return home and be with family, describing the decision as the best for his mental well‑being. The post also reflected on his time with Geelong, noting that the club had given him a second chance to play at the highest level and that winning a premiership and an All‑Australian selection were the highlights of his career.
In its official statement, Geelong added that Stengle finished his career with 109 games across three clubs—Richmond, Adelaide and Geelong—and that he had kicked 160 goals in 93 games for the Cats. Football boss Andrew Mackie wrote: “We would like to congratulate Tyson on what he has achieved over his career, including his time at Geelong. To play over 100 games, earn All‑Australian selection and be part of a Premiership team are achievements we are proud to have shared with him.” Mackie added that Stengle had shown resilience during his time at the club and that the decision to part ways was the right time for both parties to move forward.
Stengle had signed a five‑year extension with Geelong in 2024 that would have kept him on the list until the end of 2029. The mutual termination means he is now free to pursue other options. The decision came a day after Collingwood announced it was ending its relationship with 2023 premiership player Bobby Hill, who had also spent significant time away from the club due to personal matters.
Geelong’s statement did not include a comment from coach Chris Scott, who has been unable to provide details about Stengle’s absence. The club’s media release focused on the player’s contributions and its gratitude for his service.
Stengle’s departure leaves Geelong with a vacancy in the small‑forward role that the club will need to address for the remainder of the 2026 season. The Cats will look to list management and recruitment to fill the gap, while the player himself will decide whether he will return to the AFL or pursue other opportunities.
The AFL community will watch how the Cats adjust their forward line and whether Stengle’s exit will influence other clubs’ handling of players dealing with personal challenges. As the season progresses, the focus will remain on the Cats’ performance on the field and how they navigate the transition.
In summary, Tyson Stengle has ended his AFL career with Geelong after five seasons, 93 games, a premiership and an All‑Australian honour. The club and the player have agreed to part ways, with Stengle stepping away to focus on family and mental health. Geelong will need to fill the small‑forward position for the remainder of the 2026 season, while Stengle’s future in the sport remains open.
