Despite a tumultuous start to his footballing career, small forward Tyson Stengle has signalled his intent to get back to AFL level.
After being picked by the Tigers at No.6 in the 2017 Rookie Draft, the forward only managed to chalk up two games under Damien Hardwick before being traded to Adelaide at the conclusion of season 2018.
Stengle appeared on 14 occasions for the Crows, booting 13 goals over the two seasons he spent at West Lakes, however failed to nail down a spot in the side despite their underwhelming performances.
Unfortunately, the club and Stengle agreed to part ways at the beginning of this season over a host of off-field issues, with the SA-native returning to his junior side Woodville West-Torrens to play under coach Jade Sheedy for season 2021.
The 22-year-old featured in their Grand Final win on Sunday with Woodville demolishing Glenelg to the tune of 67 points at Adelaide Oval.
Stengle managed to chalk up three majors in the rout to take his goal tally in 2021 to 44 goals in 19 games for Woodville and push his case for a return to the top tier of Australian football even further
Speaking toย 9 News Adelaide, the explosive forward made it clear that his intentions were to get back to where he was prior to this year.
"I think I'm good enough," he said. "Obviously if you don't believe then you shouldn't go and play [AFL].
"I believe and I want to go and play."
Mad Monday celebrations are tonight in full swing for Woodville West Torrens following a second-straight premiership, but former Crow Tyson Stengle is already focusing on a return to the AFL. @joshmoney__ #9News pic.twitter.com/JShK6yGnBH
— 9News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) October 4, 2021
The 22-year-old was a chance to be included in the mid-season draft, with Collingwood and former club Richmond reportedly keeping tabs on him after his delisting.
However, the interest failed to transpire into a success story for the goalsneak, with Stengle not being drafted and continuing to play in the SANFL.
His off-field issues have been a fairly public topic over the past couple of years, with several incidents marring his footballing ambitions.
In early 2020, Stengle was pulled over by police and charged with drink driving after blowing 0.125 and driving an unregistered vehicle, resulting in a fine and a six-month licence suspension.
Tyson Stengle a notable absentee from the โฆ@EAGLESWWTFCโฉ traditional chimney unveiling, he spent the morning taking Zoom calls from prospective AFL clubs @9newsAdel pic.twitter.com/NppFncgfbo
— Vicki Schwarz (@VSchwarz9) October 5, 2021
The club chose to suspend him for four games before another incident further cast him further toward the outside at West Lakes.
Later that year Stengle and teammate Brad Crouch were found to have been in possession of an illicit substance after being pulled over by police, resulting in suspensions and enrolment in a counselling under drug diversion program.
Siblings and former AFL forwards Daniel and Troy Menzel also played in Woodville's win, combining for seven goals in a triumphant display from the brothers.
The former, after having a rotten run of injuries during his 80-game AFL career with both Geelong and Sydney, has found SANFL footy fruitful so far.
Speaking on Stengle's form, Menzel is convinced that he has what it takes to get back to AFL level.
"I play with a lot of guys that are at the next level, and wouldn't play as well as what [Stengle] would," Menzel said.
"It showed in the finals, you get your big game players standing up and he certainly is good enough."
The good thing for Stengle is that time is on his side at only 22 years of age, and with plenty of opportunities to get back into the AFL there is sentiment around that he may one day make it back to the big time.
