After a career resurrection that captured the hearts of AFL fans, Tyson Stengle now finds himself on the brink of something even more special: the chance to claim a second AFL premiership with the Geelong Cats. Having played a pivotal role in Geelong's 2022 premiership triumph, Stengle is acutely aware of the weight of experience and the journey that lies ahead as his team prepares to face the Brisbane Lions in the grand final.

Stengle’s AFL career took a dramatic turn after he was cut by Adelaide for off-field reasons. It was Geelong who offered him a lifeline in 2022, giving the young forward an opportunity to prove his worth and rebuild his career. At just 23, Stengle made the most of his second chance, finishing the season as an All-Australian and kicking 53 goals. His standout performance in the 2022 grand final, where he booted four goals against the Sydney Swans, was a testament to his talent and determination.

But the years following that premiership win have been anything but smooth for the Cats. Geelong missed the finals in 2023 and fell short in last year’s preliminary final, experiences that have only added to Stengle’s hunger for another taste of success. The importance of this year’s grand final against Brisbane is heightened not just by the prospect of winning another flag, but by what it represents personally for the forward.

"It was great to come back into the system and win one, but I reckon now as a player that's been at the club for a long time, it would mean more," Stengle said. "Because I'd only been there for a year, whereas now I've been there for four years, and I've seen all the heartbreak of the last four years. So, I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully, we can get a good prep in and we can get the win next Saturday."

His reflection highlights the growth that has come from being part of a team that has experienced both triumph and disappointment over multiple seasons. Where once Stengle was a newcomer navigating the pressures of elite football, he now has the maturity and perspective that comes with being a core member of the squad.

The Cats, however, will face the grand final without one of their key players. Geelong utility Tom Stewart has been ruled out of the decider, a blow to the side as they aim to secure the premiership. Despite this setback, coach Chris Scott remains confident in his team’s ability to perform on the day and deliver the ultimate reward. The absence of Stewart has necessitated tactical adjustments, but Scott’s belief in the Cats’ depth and resilience suggests they remain in a strong position to claim victory.

For Stengle, now 26, the lessons from the 2022 premiership extend beyond football. He has learned to cherish every moment, understanding that the thrill of success can sometimes pass by too quickly. "Three years ago, it went pretty fast," he admitted. "So I reckon this time I'll probably soak it in, the parade and all that type of stuff, [and] take my time with everything, enjoy the week, go into the grand final and hopefully get the win."

This thoughtful approach reflects a player who has matured significantly since his early days at Geelong. The highs and lows of professional football have instilled in him a greater appreciation for the journey, making the potential achievement of a second premiership even more meaningful. It is not just about winning; it is about experiencing every step of the process and celebrating the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

While Stengle’s 2025 season on the scoreboard may not have been his most prolific in terms of goals and behinds, he remains unbothered. His focus is firmly on the finals, the stage that defines careers and cements legacies. "My year's been alright. I kicked a lot of points this year, so that's probably why," he said with a laugh. "But when it comes to finals, that's what we play for. Happy to get to the grand final … the rest of the year doesn't really matter at this point."

This mindset underscores Stengle’s evolution as a player. Where once he may have measured success purely by personal statistics, he now prioritizes team achievements and the moments that truly define the sport. His approach is emblematic of a player who understands that finals football is a different arena—one where experience, composure, and timing often outweigh raw talent.

As the Cats prepare to face the Brisbane Lions, Stengle’s story serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the transformative power of resilience and opportunity in the AFL. From being cut by Adelaide to becoming an integral figure at Geelong, his journey is a testament to determination, talent, and the unrelenting drive to succeed.

With a grand final looming, all eyes will be on Stengle to see if he can once again rise to the occasion and help the Cats climb to the pinnacle of AFL success. Beyond the game itself, it is a narrative of redemption, growth, and the pursuit of a legacy that reaches far beyond a single season. Should Geelong lift the premiership this year, Stengle’s second flag will carry a depth of meaning that transcends mere victory—it will be the culmination of years of perseverance, learning, and unwavering commitment to the sport he loves.