In-demand Cat shuns rival's staggering $4.5m free agency bid

Geelong livewire forward Tyson Stengle has signed a five-year deal to remain at Kardinia Park long-term, as a rival’s big-money bid has been revealed.

Stengle had attracted significant rival interest this year as an unrestricted free agent, but he’ll stay in hoops until at least the end of 2029 — as officially confirmed by Geelong on Sunday afternoon.

The diminutive goal threat kicked three goals from 10 disposals and took three marks in Saturday night’s win over Essendon at the MCG.

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According to Seven’s Mitch Cleary on Sunday, the 25-year-old small forward cemented his extension after turning his back on a tempting St Kilda offer.

The Saints are understood to have offered Stengle approximately $4.5 million over six years, coming out to $750,000 per season.

It was a longer and more lucrative deal than the Cats reportedly tabled; $3.5 million over five seasons, working out to $700,000 per year.

Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie expressed his excitement at Stengle’s decision to pledge his long-term footy future to the Cats.

“We are thrilled Tyson has recommitted to the Cats,” Mackie said in a club statement. “Tyson continues to show his talent and brilliance on-field and we look forward to watching him continue to flourish as a person and footballer.

“He is much loved by his teammates and the broader Club, and we love what he contributes to our football program.

“At only 25 we are excited to see what Tyson can achieve in the future, and we know our members and fans will continue to enjoy watching him represent the Geelong Football Club.”

Arriving at the Cattery at the start of the 2022 season, the former Woodville-West Torrens forward booted a whopping 53 goals to earn his maiden All-Australian blazer in Geelong’s premiership-winning campaign.

After a slightly down season last year, Stengle has already eclipsed his 2023 goal tally (27) this year (31) in just 15 games.

The Saints, headed by list boss Stephen Silvagni, are also said to have thrown big-money offers at the likes of Carlton star defender Jacob Weitering and gun North Melbourne ball-winner Luke Davies-Uniacke this year in their search for game-changing talent.

Conversely, key St Kilda intercept defender Josh Battle is being circled by rival clubs — in particular Hawthorn, as well as Collingwood and Melbourne, per reports.

The 25-year-old is yet to re-sign at Moorabbin, eligible for unrestricted free agency at the end of this season.