Geelong free agent Tyson Stengle is said to have met with St Kilda as he weighs up a potential departure from the Cats at the end of the year.
Stengle's name has been raised as an attainable one on the open market, with the Saints reportedly joined by Essendon in pursuing the All-Australian small forward.
Having been delisted earlier in his career, Stengle is eligible to exercise his rights as a free agent at the end of this season when his contract with the Cats reaches its expiry.
That deal was a one-term extension signed by the former Adelaide and Richmond forward early in 2023 following a breakout premiership-winning first season with Geelong.
Under an unrestricted band for free agency, Stengle can move to any keen suitor of his choosing with no resistance from Geelong, who are keen to retain their lively attacker.
An offer estimated to be close to $700,000 per season over four years is said to be on the table from the Cats, while more lucrative contracts could be up for grabs at both the Saints and Bombers.
According toย 7 News'ย Mitch Cleary, a "cashed up" St Kilda recently spoke with Stengle, who held discussions with coach Ross Lyon ahead of his big contract call.
"The Cats have a fight on their hands to keep [Stengle]," Cleary said on Friday.
"St Kilda is cashed up. To show how much he is considering their offer, he has spoken to Ross Lyon about a move to Moorabbin.
"Essendon is the other club in the mix should Stebngle opt to leave Geelong."
In an interview withย 7 News,ย Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie said the club is satisfied with where things sit as talks continue between all parties.
Tyson Stengle has spoken with Ross Lyon over a potential move to Moorabbin. The Cats have a fight on their handsโฆ but remain confident over his signature: https://t.co/UrJNellFmN
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) June 21, 2024
Mackie stated the club believes Stengle and his management see the situation similarly.
"We're feeling really positive about it. I reckon if you asked Tyson's camp they would be too," Mackie said.
"Discussions are ongoing and really positive. We obviously love him, the whole club does. He's really popular with our guys and I'm sure Tyson enjoys playing with us too."
Stengle was recruited as a delisted free agent by Geelong ahead of the 2022 season, having been cut by Adelaide less than a year early for a string of off-field indiscretions.
The South Australian booted 53 goals in his first year at Kardinia Park to earn an All-Australian blazer for his role in the club's premiership run, while his 2024 form has him on track for another strong campaign.
Stengle has booted 28 goals from 14 games so far this season, already surpassing last year's goal haul of 27 majors.
