Geelong have reportedly tabled a four-year offer to All-Australian small forward Tyson Stengle, worth approximately $2.8 million.
It comes as rivals are beginning to swoop in on the Cats free agent, with a big decision on whether Stengle joins a fourth AFL club or remains at Kardinia Park.
Having been delisted in the past, Stengle is eligible for free agency in just his third season with the Cats and at the age of 25, while he does not fall under a restricted band and can walk to a rival club without any say from Geelong.
After failed starts at Richmond (2017) and Adelaide (2019-2020), the 2022 premiership player has made a miraculous recovery off-field, putting multiple indiscretions in the rearview mirror to become the game's elite small forwards.
As a result, Geelong has put forward a massive deal that will keep Stengle at the club until the end of 2028, according to Channel 7's Theo Doropoulos.
However, there is a growing belief that the crafty forward will leave Geelong for the highest bidder, albeit a Melbourne-based club.
Stengle initially joined the Cats due to the relationship with former Carlton and Adelaide champion Eddie Betts, who was a mentor to the Woodville-West Torrens product.
Betts has since departed the club and with no strong ties to Geelong, plus a premiership and an All-Australian blazer, making the AFL resurrection complete, it appears that Stengle is now considering his financial future, according to Channel 9's Tom Morris.
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"I think it's worth noting that a big part of the reason he went to Geelong was because of Eddie Betts, who is no longer (there)" Morris said on SEN Breakfast.
"And, as it sits right now, I think Stengle is going to the highest bidder at a Melbourne-based club, whoever that is."