The 2022 AFL Season has been rich in feel-good, heartwarming moments since the beginning of the year and amongst a lot of negativity circling the AFL world, it seems right to look back on some of the best moments from this season thus far.
From players returning from injury to goals after the siren, we here at Zero Hanger have compiled a list of 10 of the very best stories of the year.
This list is in no particular order and is here to reflect on some of the best moments and, as always, let us know which is your favourite from this season.
Stengle shines in AFL return
Most AFL fans know plenty about Geelong small forward Tyson Stengle's past, but the 23-year-old has come on in leaps and bounds at the Cattery in 2022.
Starting his career at the Tigers before returning to South Australia via the Crows in 2019, Stengle was delisted by Adelaide officially in 2021 after a string of off-field incidents.
After returning to the SANFL, Stengle became an important cog in the Woodville-West Torrens forward line as they won a second consecutive SANFL premiership.
Stengle kicked 44 goals in 19 games for the Eagles and was immediately put back on the radar of AFL clubs as a delisted free agent.
After the recruitment of Eddie Betts as a development coach, Geelong secured Stengle's signature and he hasn't looked back.
Picking him up for next to nothing, Stengle has played in all 16 games for the Cats, kicking 32 goals in the process and skyrocketing his name into the All-Australian conversation.
The definition of redemption so far, it is still early in Stengle's Geelong career and with finals to come, that is where he could become a star.
Chris Scott would be thrilled with the pick-up and Stengle's goal sense and cleanliness on the ball are what has already made him a fan favourite at GMHBA Stadium and an essential part of the stacked Geelong forward line.
Here's hoping that Stengle can let his football do the talking and become a star of the competition for years to come, just like his mentor in Betts.
