BETTS SETS
GEELONG wants to reinvigorate Tyson Stengle’s career in partnership with new development coach Eddie Betts to add even more firepower to the forward half.
In a massive coup for the club, the Cats landed Betts as part of sweeping changes to the assistant coaching ranks on Wednesday.
Betts, who is one of the greatest small forwards of the modern era, had several offers but chose Geelong where he is expected to work closely with the young players and forwards.
Chris Scott’s men will now zero in on former Adelaide and Tigers’ livewire Stengle who has starred in WoodvilleWest Torrens premiership win in the SANFL after he was delisted by the Crows this year.
The Crows ran out of patience with Stengle after he was caught by police with an illicit drug in September 2020 which followed a drink-driving incident.
But the 22-year-old, who has played 16 senior games for 15 goals, is determined to revive his AFL career at a third club next year.
The Cats already have one of the best forward lines in the competition and the arrival of the 172cm Stengle will add another lethal threat at ground level. Highly respected list boss Stephen Wells confirmed the Cats wanted to remain in premiership contention next year and said they were keen to land Stengle amid interest from rivals including Essendon.
“We think Tyson has had a terrific period with Woodville West-Torrens. He has obviously been a good player in the SANFL all year, including a good performance in the premiership-winning team,” Wells said on SEN.
“So, we do have some interest in Tyson, and he is very lucky he has got a man like (former housemate and Crows’ teammate) Eddie in his corner.
“But it’s not just us who like Tyson on our list.
“Tyson will have to make that decision himself in conjunction with his management team.
“But we would be pleased if Tyson ended up at Geelong.”
The Cats are dealing with Fremantle on a trade for wingman Jordan Clark but, as News Corp revealed last month, want a better pick than the Dockers’ second-selection at No. 27.
Wells said the Cats would happily accept Fremantle’s pick 8 and give the Dockers Clark and another pick back.
But he said Clark would only be released from his 2022 contract for a decent deal.
“Jordan understands he is a contracted player and it would have to be a good deal for us to let him go,” he said.
“We’ve never just said give us pick 8 for Jordan Clark. We are not like that, we are realistic, and that (straight swap) has never been on the table.
“If pick eight came our way than something else would go back with Jordan but that is not going to happen now I don’t think.”
The Cats also have an interest in Hawthorn back-up ruckman Jon Ceglar if contracted tall Darcy Fort moves to Brisbane.
The club also confirmed, as News Corp reported last month, new deals for Rhys Stanley, Gary Rohan, Brad Close, Francis Evans and Zach Guthrie.
Geelong has been linked to a move on former Gold Coast assistant Dean Solomon to go with new coaches James Kelly and Betts.
Betts said he was excited to start his coaching journey in blue and white.
“Geelong is a successful club with a magnificent culture that has always been consistently strong, and I cannot wait to get involved,” Betts said.