Geelong small forward Tyson Stengle has made a thrilling start to his career at GMHBA Stadium, submitting another standout performance on the weekend, and vindicating the Cats’ decision to throw the former Crow a career lifeline at the end of last season.  

The 23-year old burst onto the scene in Round 1 at the MCG during the Cats big win over Essendon, kicking four goals and picking up 20 touches in an electrifying debut for his new club, and since then has continued to have a sizeable impact, kicking 20 goals in his 10 games.

His ability to find space and slot the ball through from all angles has been a revelation, while his ability to apply pressure going the other way has only been overshadowed by his offensive potency. 

Alongside All-Australian’s Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron, Stengle has given Geelong a formidable weapon at ground level in front of goal, the three forwards kicking a combined total of 77 goals so far this season. 

Speaking to K rock Football post-match, Geelong Coach Chris Scott said he was confident Stengle could contribute after joining the club from Woodville West Torrens in the SANFL. 

“We were confident that within our system we could give him enough support so he could enjoy his life outside of footy,” Scott said. 

“In terms of his role we were confident it would work because we had a really specific role in mind and he’s been training for that since the day he walked into the club so I didn’t expect it would be going this well but it’s not a total surprise either.“

The club had been monitoring the former rookie for a while before snapping him up as a delisted free-agent in 2021 after 16 games in four years with Richmond and Adelaide. 

“We were watching him well before we actually took him,” Scott said

“It was a really well-reasoned process by our people, in particular (assistant coach0 Shaun Grigg who had some experiences with him at Richmond.”

Stengle has now produced three or more goals in five of his 10 games, fitting in seamlessly with a Geelong forward line already filled with firepower, and according to Scott, it’s been Stengle’s dedication and work rate that’s ultimately provided him with the opportunity. 

“He didn’t come in with the golden ticket, he had to play his way into our team and I think the early part of our year has been really exciting for us,” he said.  

“We really like our small, running forwards but they’re different to Tyson so that was a role that we’ve been looking for for a while and the signs are good.”