AFL Trade News: Geelong offer huge $2.8 million deal for in-demand 2022 premiership star
The cats" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">Geelong Cats have reportedly offered a four-year contract, worth approximately $2.8 million, to small forward Tyson Stengle. The 25-year-old is set to become a free agent at the cessation of the season, but the Cats are seeking to keep him at Kardinia Park following interest from rival clubs.
Stengle joined the Victoria-based club in 2021 as a delisted free agent. He had forgettable stints at Richmond and Adelaide but has since evolved into one of the game's most prolific forwards, winning the premiership with the Cats in 2022. As an unrestricted free agent, Stengle can join any rival AFL club at his discretion.
As reported by Channel 7's Theo Doropoulos, Geelong wants Stengle to stay put and has tabled a four-year deal of $700,000 per year to the small forward.
However, the former Richmond and Adelaide star could be on his way to a fourth club, as the offer made by the Cats is below his current valuation in the open market, thus allowing other clubs to step in and beat the offer for his signature.
Stengle is likely to move to a Melbourne-based club if he leaves the Cats at the end of the season. He joined the footy club because of his relationship with former Geelong development coach Eddie Betts.
Betts was a mentor and former teammate to Stengle. However, the former AFL star has since left his role at the club. His mentee, having won the premiership and an All-Ausrailan nomination, is now considering his financial future, as reported by Channel 9's Tom Morris (via Zero Hanger).
"I think it's worth noting that a big part of the reason he went to Geelong was because of Essie Betts, who is no longer (there). And, as it sits right now, I think Stengle is going to the highest bidder at a Melbourne-based club, whoever that is," Morris said on SEN Breakfast.
Tyson Stengle's performance card for Geelong Cats in 2024
Tyson Stengle has been one of the Cats' most consistent performers this term. The 25-year-old small forward has featured in all games this season, recording 27 goals, 10 behinds, 181 disposals, and 122 kicks.
In his most recent outing, Stengle managed three goals, one behind, and 12 disposals in his side's 112-82 loss to the Sydney Swans. He is averaging three marks, 2.1 goals, and 13.9 disposals this season, making him one of the AFL's most prolific forwards.
After a bye in Round 13, Geelong will kick off Round 14 proceedings with a crunch game against Carlton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, June 21.