Stengle back at Geelong after dealing with personal issues

Geelong forward Tyson Stengle returned to the club on Monday after an extended stint away dealing with personal issues.

Stengle, whose salary is the vicinity of $750,000 per season, will remain on an individualised program as he builds towards a VFL return.

The AFL remains in close consultation with Stengle and Geelong, with all parties hopeful he can rebuild fitness and return to football via the VFL in June. The league's 'medical model' prioritises player welfare ahead of anything else.

Stengle's off-field challenges saw him spend time in South Australia after Gather Round with family.

While the Cats remained abreast of Stengle's whereabouts, the AFL was largely looking after his well-being.

He came back to Victoria last week and did running sessions and gym by himself, before returning to the club on Monday morning.

Stengle played 49 of a possible 52 games across 2024 and 2025. He is contracted until the end of 2029, but can trigger an extra season if he meets a best and fairest clause.

His five-year extension (plus the sixth season with a trigger) was penned in the months after Geelong won the 2022 flag and he was named in the All-Australian team.

Geelong is 8-3 with Carlton to come on Friday night at the MCG.