Football can be a cruel master, but it can also provide the sweetest taste of redemption there is.
In big games or moments players are human and falter, sometimes costing their side a premiership. But the players that respond the best are the ones whose stories shine the brightest.
Some players' mistakes happen off the field, besmirching their name. But again, football gives them light at the end of the tunnel and a path back for them to show their true character.
So which stories in recent memory have the best redemption arc?
5Tyson Stengle
Stengle's story of redemption isn't in a moment, but rather a season.
Having been discarded from Richmond and then Adelaide for behavioural issues, Stengle, thanks to the promise of mentorship by Indigenous and football legend Eddie Betts, was given an opportunity at Geelong. A chance he did not take lightly.
The talented small forward produced on his potential in first season at the Cats and proved to be one of the bargain buys of the century.
In his first year in the blue and white hoops (2022) Stengle kicked 53 goals, earned a maiden All-Australian blazer and played a key role in Geelong's first flag in 11 years.
Having played 16 games across five seasons at Richmond and Adelaide, Stengle showed the world his character as he put in the hard yards on and off the field to capitalise on his potential.
He was then a consistent performer for the Cats for the next three seasons, but some highly publicised troubles have seen him only just return to the VFL last weekend, having not played at all prior this year.
It seems a second chance at redemption is on the cards for Stengle currently, as the 27-year-old looks to get back to his best on and off the field.
