Geelong forward Tyson Stengle has returned from his leave of absence to continue his 2026 pre-season build with the Cats, featuring prominently in the main group during the club's community day in Warrnambool on Wednesday.
Utility Jack Bowes spotlighted his efforts, saying the club has been giving the 27-year-old the off-field support he needs while he gradually builds his fitness ahead of the pre-season fixtures.
"It's great to have Tyson back. Obviously off field he's been going through a little bit but for him to integrate back into the program is awesome," Bowes said.
"He's in the main group, some parts of his training is modified, and some isn't. He's a bit of both, in and out [of the main group].
"But he's been training well. At the moment, we're supporting him and what he needs."
Stengle played 24 games in 2025 and kicked 34 goals, contributing six score involvements in the Grand Final defeat to Brisbane.
The return of Tanner Bruhn is also shaping to be a game-changer for the Cats in 2026, according to Bowes.
"Tanner does feel like a new recruit," Bowes said of the 23-year-old ex-Giant.
"He obviously had a tough year last year, but he's been training really well. He's been a standout tackling and with intensity around the footy."
Just two seasons ago, Bruhn led the Cats in clearances per game and was one of the club's better midfielders, averaging 4.2 tackles and 9.4 pressure acts per game, the latter ranking in the 91st percentile league-wide.
That elite level of service presents as a damaging weapon when paired with the explosive outside speed and precision kicking of Max Holmes, Bailey Smith and Ollie Dempsey, which developed strongly in Bruhn's absence last year.
However, Bruhn's role could become more dynamic in 2026, similarly to how Bowes was managed in 2025 after being pushed out of the midfield by the arrival of Bailey Smith.
"He's been playing off half-back and through the middle, but it's honestly just really good to see him back out there," Bowes said.
"My role is pretty similar, being flexible where I can. Training throughout the pre-season I really enjoy because I try a lot of different positions. It's an opportunity to add some new skills to my game.
"Whatever will help us win games of footy, that's what I enjoy doing."
Geelong begin their 2026 pre-season schedule with a match simulation hit out against long-time rivals Hawthorn on Monday, February 16, at the Kennedy Community Centre.
