Tyson Stengle spent Sunday doing, well, Tyson Stengle things as the All-Australian bagged a career high 5 goals in the Cats’ 62-point win over North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium.

The Cats built on their midfield dominance, powered by a 20-4 centre clearance count, to set up an 11 goal to zip between the first and third quarters, and it was the Geelong forwards, led by Stengle, and Ollie Henry who kicked four of his own, who were the beneficiaries.

“It’s a credit to the boys in the middle, getting the ball up forward where they can," he told geelongcats.com.au after the game. “The domination in the middle set up the game for us today, and when we do that, we’ve got a good chance to win.”

It was the 24 year old's sixth straight game after returning from a broken wrist suffered in Round 5, and after nine score involvements and the five goals, including a right foot check-side from the boundary that he was celebrating as soon as it hit the boot, it was the type of game that seem to announce that the 2023 All-Australian is back to his best.

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Scott & Tuohy Post Match | Round 17

Chris Scott and Zach Tuohy speak to media following Geelong's Round 17 clash with North Melbourne. Presented by Morris.

 “After the interruption, it’s just been about getting back into it and getting match fitness, getting around the ground and building that chemistry back up with the forwards and just gelling well as a team,” he said.

“I feel like now we're starting to get the wheels rolling, and hopefully we'll finish off the year strong.“

With seven games remaining, including four at GMHBA, Geelong is now back in the eight, but according to Stengle, ladder position doesn’t yet matter.

“We’re not really worried about what position are at the moment, it’s just about getting our game rolling towards the end of the year,” he said.

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AFL Highlights | Round 17

Watch the highlights from the Round 17 Clash at GMHBA against North Melbourne

‘I feel like this is a good start and we'll keep building towards the end of the year.”

While it was a special day at GMHBA Stadium with the Cats getting the points, it was especially significant for one of the club's most popular players, Zach Tuohy, as he officially passed the legendary Jim Stynes for the most games played by an Irishman, with Stengle offering his own tribute to the 265 gamer. 

"Since I've come here, he's been one of the nicest people I've ever met, and he's involved me in everything; encouraging me throughout the games. He's just a ripper bloke, I'm so glad to meet him and glad to play in the game that he breaks the record," he said. 

"I'm proud of him."