Premiership Cat takes leave to deal with personal situation

Premiership Cat Tyson Stengle has taken personal leave and is in doubt for the club's opening round clash against Gold Coast in March.

No timeline has been set for his return with the club supporting their star.

"Geelong Cats forward Tyson Stengle has been granted additional leave from the Club and pre-season training," a club statement said.

"Its expected Tyson will return to training in the short term, and the Club will continue to work closely with Tyson and his management.

Geelong Cats Executive General Manager of Football Andrew Mackie added: “Tyson’s welfare is our priority and, with the support of the Club, he’ll be given the time he needs before returning to training.”

Stengle, who is coming off a season where he averaged 12.3 disposals, 3 marks and 1.4 goals a game, has been a mainstay in Geelong’s forward 50 for the past four seasons.

The 27-year-old earned All-Australian honours in his first season at the Cats in 2022, where they also won their first premiership in 11 years.

There is still hope at the club that Stengle could return to training in the next few weeks.

Stengle re-signed with the Cats in 2024 on a five-year-deal, knocking back strong interest from St Kilda at the time.