Tyson Stengle’s Potential Return to AFL
Tyson Stengle might be making a swift return to the AFL this month, skipping any time in the VFL, as Geelong coach Chris Scott praises his training progress. Ahead of the Cats’ big match against Hawthorn on Easter Monday, Scott highlighted that the All-Australian forward is undergoing a “really strong” training block.
Stengle rejoined the club in late January after taking some time off during the off-season for personal reasons. His return would be a significant boost for the Cats, who have won their last two games.
Initially, Scott mentioned in his Sunday media conference that Stengle would make his return through the VFL, possibly at home on April 17 against Footscray. However, the Cats also face the Western Bulldogs that night, and Scott is optimistic that Stengle could be ready for an immediate senior recall.
“It’s on the table, the next VFL round. But – a bit of water can flow under the bridge between now and then,” Scott said.
“We might just bring him straight back into the seniors, because he just would have had so much training.
“That might be an option. I’m certainly not guaranteeing it.
“It (Stengle’s progress) is really positive. He’s put together a really strong block of training.”
Key Player Updates
Former Hawthorn midfielder James Worpel will not be returning against his old club, while the Cats also left out Jhye Clark. Mark O’Connor was managed, with Brad Close and Jack Bowes set to return.
Hawthorn lost Karl Amon and Cam McKenzie due to knee problems. Midfielder Jack Dalton will be their first AFL debutant this season, and former North Melbourne defender Flynn Perez will play his first game for the Hawks.
Dalton, who turned 19 on Sunday, was recruited at pick No.34 in last year’s national draft.
Scott mentioned that Worpel, who has recovered from an infected finger, will be needed over the next fortnight as Geelong manages short breaks before the West Coast and Bulldogs games.
When asked about the supposed added motivation when players meet their former clubs, Scott said, “I don’t believe in that stuff” and added, “It’s certainly a luxury to have a few guys like James on stand-by.”
Scott explained that the Cats want Clark to return to the VFL and work on his game as an inside midfielder.
“We’re still really bullish about the player,” he said.
“If you think that our 23 we pick in any given week is a referendum on who we think our best 23 players are, you’re not reading the way we think about things.”
The Significance of the Match
Geelong has won eight of their last 10 games against Hawthorn, but Scott downplayed the significance of the Easter Monday clash.
“The main thing is it’s two good sides going at it,” he said.
“It won’t be a disaster for the team that loses.”
Scott responded to speculation last week that star Bailey Smith was in negotiations with the Cats about a pay rise.
“I guess if the implication is that he’s happy here and looking to cement his time at Geelong, that would be a positive thing … or does he just want some more money. Don’t we all?” Scott said.
