The AFL has distanced itself from any potential list management decisions involving Tyson Stengle, as questions linger around his professional future.
Plus, a change to how clubs manage their playing lists is all but confirmed for next season. More below in AFL Daily!
Watch every match of every round of the AFL Premiership Season LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
AFL’S CALL ON FUTURE OF ESTRANGED CAT
In the wake of Tyson Stengle’s latest setback, AFL Chief Operations Officer Tom Harley has stressed that any decisions regarding the Geelong forward’s future remain a matter for the club.
Seven’s Xander McGuire reported on Tuesday night that eyewitnesses allege spotting the 2022 All-Australian forward at Electric Nightclub, on Chapel Street in Prahran, on Wednesday night after last week’s State of Origin game at the MCG — around 36 hours before he was scheduled to fly north for a Saturday VFL game.
Geelong did not give a reason for Stengle’s absence when it confirmed his late omission from their reserves side, with Geelong-based radio station K-Rock reporting illness as the cause.
Asked on whether the league would take a stance on Stengle’s future as he continues to deal with personal issues, Harley said that decision was not for him or the AFL.
“It is not in my purview at the moment, it is certainly a club matter,” Harley told media at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday.
“Within the right structures, the right conversations are being had between the AFL and the club.
“As a fan, what I like to see is the best players (playing). There are a myriad of reasons why players don’t play.
“What I do know to be true, both from a club experience and from the AFL, is that the health and wellbeing of the player (is priority).
“Clubs are best placed to make those decisions. I would to see Tyson running around, I would love to see Bobby (Hill) running around … they are not at the moment.”
Should Geelong ultimately decide to part ways with Stengle, any alteration to his contracted payments would need to be agreed upon by both parties. Otherwise, the Cats would be required to pay out the full value of his contract if he was delisted.
BIG NAMES coming off contract in 2027 | 06:52
END OF AN ERA FOR ROOKIES?
The AFL’s rookie list is set to be abolished from the start of the 2027 season as part of a broader overhaul of list management rules.
Seven’s Tom Morris reported on Wednesday night that the change will see all listed players sit on a single primary list, removing the distinction between senior and rookie-listed footballers.
Moving to a single list structure, clubs will have greater flexibility in how they build and manage their squads, while reducing administrative complexity around rookie elevations and list classifications.
Hawthorn’s Luke Breust (308 games) and Geelong star Mark Blicavs (307) are the only two players initially drafted as rookies to hit the 300-game milestone, with the latter still fit and firing at the top level 15 years after being drafted.