Tyson Stengle Departs Geelong After Mutual Agreement on July 31

Geelong has formally parted ways with premiership forward Tyson Stengle after a mutual agreement finalised on July 31, 2026. The 27-year-old still had three years remaining on a $700,000-per-season extension signed in 2024, with $2.1 million left on the deal. Stengle played only one VFL game in 2026 amid off-field issues and has chosen to step away from AFL football to return home to South Australia.

Why Stengle stepped away from the Cats

Stengle last played for Geelong in their 2025 AFL Grand Final loss to Brisbane. Coach Chris Scott said in June that Stengle was “miles off” a return and indicated the club had limits to its empathy. In April, media reports revealed Stengle had “cut off ties” with his management group, including Eddie Betts’ wife Anna, and with Indigenous leaders at the club. Stengle said the decision to leave was best for his mental health after “a tough year or so.”

Settlement details and contract terms

Geelong and Stengle reached a settlement where the club made payments for part of his remaining contract, though only a relatively small fraction of what he would have earned in 2027. The savings to Geelong will run into millions due to the settlement. Stengle’s deal was finalised with his management and the AFL Players’ Association.

Stengle’s career at Geelong and beyond

Stengle played 93 games and kicked 160 goals for the Cats after joining at the end of 2021. In his debut 2022 season, he kicked 53 goals, won All-Australian selection, and kicked four goals in Geelong’s Grand Final win over Sydney. He finishes his career on 109 games and 175 goals across four clubs. Geelong executive Andrew Mackie said the club was “proud to have shared” Stengle’s achievements, including his All-Australian honour and premiership medal.

Stengle’s path to redemption and setback

Stengle started his career at Richmond, playing two games, then moved to Adelaide where he played 14 games before being cut in 2020 for off-field issues. After a stint in the SANFL, Geelong gave him a career lifeline at the end of 2021. He resurrected his career in 2022 but has struggled in recent years. Stengle thanked the Cats, coach Chris Scott, assistant Nigel Lappin, former captain Joel Selwood, current skipper Patrick Dangerfield, and head of player development Mark Worthington for their support.

Final Thoughts

Stengle’s departure marks the end of a redemption story that peaked with a 2022 premiership but unravelled amid personal struggles. With $2.1 million paid out to exit his contract early, Geelong has chosen to move forward without him.

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