Geelong star Tyson Stengle has taken personal leave away from the club.
The premiership forward did not return to the Cattery as training resumed after Christmas, the club confirmed on Monday evening.
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Stengle had also begun his Christmas break earlier than his teammates “after a difficult period off the field” according to Seven’s Mitch Cleary.
The Cats say “it’s expected Tyson will return to training in the short term, and the club will continue to work closely with Tyson and his management”.
“Tyson’s welfare is our priority and, with the support of the club, he’ll be given the time he needs before returning to training,” Geelong footy boss Andrew Mackie said.
He joins Collingwood’s Bobby Hill in taking personal leave and is viewed as unlikely to feature in Opening Round, according to Cleary.
The Cats begin their season on March 6 away to Gold Coast.
Tyson Stengle and Darcy Moore.Source: FOX SPORTS
PIES PAIR HURT AS GIANTS GUN RACING CLOCK
Collingwood veterans Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe have both suffered injuries at training on Monday.
The defenders both suffered low-end calf strains which will cost them several weeks of pre-season training.
Meanwhile GWS star Toby Greene is racing the clock to represent Victoria in the return of AFL State of Origin.
The Giants captain is on a modified program due to a hamstring issue and will need to prove his fitness soon in order to face Western Australia on February 14.
TWO ACL TEARS ON MONDAY
Carlton small forward Jesse Motlop has become the second young gun to have a heartbreaking ACL injury revealed on Monday.
The Blues confirmed Motlop, 22, injured his knee at training, with subsequent scans indicating a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, which looks all but certain to rule him out of the 2026 season.
“Jesse has put in plenty of hard work in the pre-season, so we are really feeling for him at this time,” Carlton football boss Chris Davies said.
“While there is understandable disappointment right now, Jesse is the ultimate professional, who possesses great resilience, which will help as he moves through the recovery process.
“The Club and medical staff will continue to support Jesse during his rehabilitation.”
Jackson Archer of the Kangaroos. Picture: Josh Chadwick/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
The news on Motlop, who signed a two-year extension late last season, comes just hours after North Melbourne’s Jackson Archer suffered his own setback after multiple injuries in 2025.
The Roos confirmed on Monday morning that the 22-year-old will undergo a right knee reconstruction, after tearing his ACL over the weekend.
The cruel below means the running defender is expected to miss the entire 2026 season, after only managing three last year as suspension, hamstring concerns and an ankle injury prevented the father-son prospect from gaining continuity in the Kangaroos’ senior side.
Archer has played 26 games since his debut back in 2022, and played a season-best 15 games in 2024.
In a club statement, North Melbourne confirmed the father-son will consult their medical team this week to work through his rehab program.