![\"Tyson](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4a8433806c08a39f0d230c19172f13bc75023b2d.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Tyson Stengle is back with Geelong.Credit: Eddie Jim<\/p>\n
Stengle, who spent time in his home state of South Australia while away from the club, will train with others on a modified program, having been away since before Christmas.<\/p>\n
The Cats announced that his leave was extended after Christmas.<\/p>\n
\u201cTyson\u2019s welfare is our priority and, with the support of the club, he\u2019ll be given the time he needs before returning to training,\u201d football boss Andrew Mackie said in a statement earlier in January.<\/p>\n
The 27-year-old has been an exceptional recruit since Geelong picked him up before the 2022 premiership season in which he was an important contributor, booting more than 50 goals and making the All-Australian team.<\/p>\n
Loading<\/p>\n
Stengle, originally drafted to Richmond and then traded to Adelaide, has faced a series of off-field challenges including a drink-driving charge and an arrest when found in possession of an illicit substance during his time with Crows.<\/p>\n
The Cats have handled the talented forward with care, aided by Indigenous great and ex-Crows and Carlton star Eddie Betts and his wife Anna, who manages Stengle and have provided support throughout recent years in dealing with his off-field challenges.<\/p>\n
Stengle secured a five-year contract worth an estimated $3.5 million during 2024, following a strong offer from St Kilda. He is contracted for a further four years, including 2026.<\/p>\n
Stengle has played 93 matches in his four seasons at Geelong and is contracted until 2029.
– Jake Niall<\/p>\n
Important Bomber hopes his injury woes are behind him<\/p>\n
Essendon forward Kyle Langford hopes an overseas trip will help him put last year\u2019s injury woes behind him after another frustrating season led to him playing just nine matches.<\/p>\n
Langford\u2019s absence through the first half of the season robbed the Bombers of his goal-scoring power and much needed leadership within the forward line, alongside inexperienced duo Nate Caddy and Isaac Kako.<\/p>\n
The 29-year-old said his confidence had returned and his fingers were crossed that he could return to the consistency he displayed in 2023 and 2024 when he kicked 94 goals in 46 matches.<\/p>\n
\u201cI went away to Aspetar [in Qatar] throughout the break, got some really good results and feedback, and then at training, Matty\u2019s been great. Dave Regan [the new senior strength and conditioning coach] in the gym as well \u2013 It\u2019s been a really good one-two combo. I\u2019ve had a really good pre-season, and I think that\u2019s a really good base for the season,\u201d Langford said.<\/p>\n
![\"Kyle](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/60838570bb90eb55f481f90666e9cff6bd531ff4.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
Kyle Langford will be an important player at Essendon in 2026. Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were able to assess the injuries from last year and the initial hamstring, I think was just an unlucky circumstance. It\u2019s almost a perfect mechanism for a hamstring, and the quad was probably just a bit of loading thing. So we learnt that as long as I\u2019m in the right program, my body will be fine, so it gives me a lot of confidence moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Adelaide Crows youngster Dan Curtin will require surgery after dislocating his left kneecap on Monday. Curtin avoided any bone or ligament damage, but the club decided an operation was required to stabilise the knee. The 20-year-old has suffered partial dislocations as a junior. He is expected to be unavailable until at least round seven.
– Peter Ryan<\/p>\n