Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Tyson Stengle return plans have taken a major step forward after the AFL cleared the Geelong forward to play again under its medical model.

The 2022 All-Australian had been unable to represent the Cats at any level while dealing with off-field issues, but Geelong are now hopeful he can play in the VFL as early as next week.

For more AFL coverage, read Brandon Starcevich West Coast Debut Confirmed For Port Adelaide Clash.

Stengle Builds Toward Match Fitness

Stengle’s career was in doubt as recently as April after he cut ties with his management and had limited contact with Geelong.

He had spent much of the previous six months in Adelaide with his young daughter before later returning to Victoria and resuming training with the Cats.

“I think the key issue here will be the conditioning of Tyson Stengle; is he fit enough to perform in a VFL match to avoid any soft tissue injuries?” Mitch Cleary said on The Agenda Setters.

“Don’t forget, he had an interrupted pre-season, he came back, he went away again. So this has been an interrupted build-up for Tyson. They are going to want to make sure that when he does return, he’s bullet-proof in terms of his body.”

Hill Also Back At Collingwood

Nick Riewoldt said Geelong have the record and patience to manage Stengle carefully as they shape their squad for the second half of the season.

“So, that is good news. He makes them better. They just want him to come in and then stay in.”

At Collingwood, Bobby Hill has also returned to training after a three-week leave of absence following the birth of his third child.

Cleary said Hill may need another month in the VFL before pushing for AFL selection, with trust and fitness both still needing to be rebuilt.

Official AFL updates are available through the AFL website.