Despite many rival clubs circling, Tyson Stengle is understood to have picked Geelong as his desired club for 2022.
Having previously been delisted, the Cats are likely to sign Stengle as a free agent. This allows Geelong to add some younger ready-made talent to their list, without having to sacrifice their current draft hand.
The new signing will be Stengle's third AFL stint, having previously spent time at Richmond and Adelaide. He has only managed to play 16 games throughout his first five years in the league.
Stengle has been out of the AFL spotlight since he and the Crows parted ways earlier this year. This was after multiple off-field incidents within a short period of time.
Forward
Disposals
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The Herald Sun has reported that the small forward has weighed his options, and has chosen to sign with Geelong.
He spent this year trying to rebuild his reputation, with his on-field play for Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL impressing AFL scouts.
Stengle finished the season with 44 goals, nearly kicking 2.5 goals a game. Throughout the finals series, he kicked three goals in all three of his sides wins, including a 3.1 haul in their 99-32 Grand Final win.
His consistency throughout the season, and his excellent finals performances made him one of the premier delisted free agents.
Having spent time working with Eddie Betts both on and off-field, Eddie's signing with Geelong likely helped influence his final decision.
The exact details of the deal are yet to be confirmed, but News Corp's report suggests it is likely to be for two years.
Geelong's interest in Stengle has been made public after their list managerย Stephen Wells confirmed his clubs interest in acquiring Stengle.
"We think Tyson has had a terrific period with Woodville-West Torrens, including a good performance in a premiership-winning team," Wells told SEN.
"We do have some interest in Tyson. We haven't committed to him yet, it's not just us who want him. Tyson will have to make that decision himself."
"Tysonโs in a terrific position where he can have a bit of control over the decision that he makes and where he has his next opportunity at AFL level."
โWeโd be pleased if Tyson ended up with Geelong.โ
Stengle made his AFL debut with Richmond in 2017 before playing 14 games at West lakes, including 12 last season.