Stengle officially a Cat

Tyson Stengle (afl.com.au) 253595_01

Ash Bolt

Tyson Stengle will look to reignite his AFL career at Geelong after the Cats signed the free agent small forward to a two-year contract late last week.

The 22-year-old was dumped by Adelaide due to off-field incidents, but had a brilliant SANFL season with Woodville West Torrens Eagles this year, leading Geelong to sign him as a delisted free agent.

“It is rare to be able to pick up such a young player as a free agent, and we are thrilled that Tyson has decided to continue his career with Geelong,” Geelong general manager of football Simon Lloyd said.

“Tyson has shown an ability to play at AFL level, and he had a very successful season in the SANFL.

“We believe Tyson has the ability to have a long career at AFL level and he is a positive addition to our playing list.”

Stengle was a star of the SANFL this year, helping Woodville West Torrens to a premiership, kicking 44 goals in 19 games. He kicked nine goals in three finals and was named in the SANFL team of the year.

Stengle has spent four years in the AFL, with stints at Richmond and Adelaide.

Originally selected in the rookie draft by the Tigers, Stengle debuted in 2017, kicking two goals in two games.

Stengle couldn’t break through for further senior action in 2018, and joined his hometown Crows in 2019.

In two seasons with Adelaide, Stengle played 14 games and kicked 13 goals.

Stengle had previously indicated he was interested in signing with the Cats and reconnecting with former mentor Eddie Betts, who joined the club a month ago as a development coach.