New recruit Tyson Stengle has starred in his first outing with Geelong, kicking four goals in a successful pre-season hitout against Richmond.
Stengle was lethal at the feet of Geelong’s key position stars, Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins, adding some much-needed spice to the Cats’ forward line.
The 23-year-old joined Geelong as a delisted free agent last November after losing his spot with Adelaide due to a number of off-field incidents.
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Newly-installed Cats assistant Eddie Betts was close with Stengle during the pair’s time together in Adelaide and was a key factor behind the talented youngster’s recruitment.
Wearing the No.18 jumper like Betts did during his time in Adelaide, Stengle looked like the legendary goalkicker with his crumbing brilliance throughout the contest.
“The inclusion of Stengle, we’ve banged on about it, it will give them some real spark in the front half,” Michael Barlow said on commentary during Kayo Sports’ coverage.
“He looks like a player who has come in with no pollution in his head around having not been in an AFL system for a few years and seen another side of it in state programs and being a main man.
“So often these young players with high-end talent come into programs and try to navigate their way through and are a bit overwhelmed by the situation. But he’s gone back to a semi-professional environment and understands what a balance looks like outside of being a professional athlete and come in with that confidence.”
The match also saw Richmond star Dustin Martin make his return to a football field since suffering a serious kidney injury that cut his 2021 season short.
Martin played the first four 30 minute quarters and managed to get through the game unscathed.
Tigers teammate Ivan Soldo also made an injury-free return to the footy field after almost 18 months on the sideline due to knee issues.
The big man played as a permanent forward and kicked two goals.