Cats are happy to Betts on Stengle
GEELONG has defended its move to offer trouble-prone forward Tyson Stengle a reported two-year deal after his recent indiscretions.
Stengle was in the headlines for three off-field misdemeanours in eight months, including drink-driving and suspected illicit substance misdemeanours, during his two-year stint with Adelaide.
He was subsequently cut by the Crows on the eve of the 2021 season.
Stengle’s move to Geelong comes after the Cats traded for Jack Steven, who also arrived at GMHBA Stadium with behavioural problems, two years ago, only to offload him 12 months into his deal.
Geelong is hoping the appointment of Eddie Betts, who is Stengle’s cousin, as a parttime development coach will help the former Richmond player’s transition to a third AFL club.
It’s understood the small forward will live with Betts and his family when he moves to Victoria.
Stengle enjoyed a brilliant SANFL season with Woodville-West Torrens, including a three-goal haul in the Eagles’ premiership this month.
Geelong list boss Stephen Wells said the club was confident the 22-year-old’s off-field issues were behind him.
“We’ve talked to him and he told us they were,” Wells said.
“I guess the fact he’s gone away and done a great job with Woodville-West Torrens again in a high-standard competition.
“He’s had a terrific pre-season. We’ve done our research, we’ve made our inquiries and I think we had a good bit of inside knowledge through having Eddie Betts – the great
Eddie Betts – come and join our club and being able to pick his brain about Tyson Stengle, who he has great faith in.
“Tyson, as I said, has convinced us he’s put his past behind him and (is) looking forward to a great future.”
Wells said a deal had yet to be finalised but the Cats would have no issues in signing Stengle for two years, which was revealed this week.
“We’re still working through all of that but if we decide that, then clearly we would think it is appropriate and responsible,” he said.
“If we thought it was a three-year deal, we would have given him that, if we thought it was a one-year deal, we would have given him that.”
It’s expected Stengle’s move will be formalised when he is officially delisted by Adelaide on October 31.
“Tyson will come off the Crows’ list then and there’s a process in place for delisted free agents,” Wells said.
“There’s still a bit to play out there – a bit to work through – but it’s headed in that direction.”