Amid a cashed-up rival’s strong interest, the Cats remain confident they can retain a star forward.
But intrigue continues to build around an off-contract Tiger’s future after reportedly meeting with another club.
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CATS CONFIDENT IN KEEP STAR DESPITE RIVAL’S INTEREST
Geelong feels “really positive” about contract talks with Tyson Stengle, despite the threat of a cashed-up rival club circling the star forward.
The 2022 All-Australian remains unsigned beyond this season and looms as one of the biggest free agents in this year’s pool. It’s believed Stengle is fielding offers from rivals worth $800,000 per season.
Speaking on Fox Footy on Friday night, Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph said St Kilda was “still very keen” on Stengle, who has recently met with coach Ross Lyon – according to 7News reporter Mitch Cleary.
But Ralph said the “very likely scenario” is that Stengle remains at Geelong.
Dangerfield gets done for tackle! | 00:22
“Essendon has had one conversation with his management. They are not a suitor, despite reports out there,” Ralph told Fox Footy.
“There is still wiggle room on a (Cats) deal of about four years at $700,000. It’s still light for a free agent and for an All-Australian, but I think it’s incentives, I think it’s capacity for this deal to be lifted up.
“The likely scenario is, as much as he wants to get paid, he’ll still be at the Geelong Football Club … It’ll just take a little bit of time.”
Geelong threw a lifeline to Stengle at the end of 2021 after previous stints at Richmond and Adelaide, who parted ways with the forward after multiple off-field indiscretions.
Cats football boss Andrew Mackie told Ralph on Friday Stengle was a “very much required” player. He later told 7News Melbourne: “We’re feeling really positive about it – and I reckon if you asked Tyson’s camp, they would be too. The discussions are ongoing and really positive.
“We obviously love him, our whole club does, the playing group – he’s really popular with our guys – and I’m sure Tyson enjoys playing with us too.”
IN-DEMAND TIGER MEETS WITH WA CLUB
The intrigue around Liam Baker’s future continues, with the dual premiership Tiger meeting with West Coast during his team’s mid-season bye, reports 7News Melbourne.
Lake Grace product Baker remains out of contract beyond 2024 and is considering his footy future after receiving ample interest from both WA clubs.
Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph reported on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle in April that Baker was “very likely” to leave the Tigers and that “West Coast would be the likely favourite right now”.
Longmuir gives his own players a serve! | 01:04
Speaking on 7News Melbourne on Friday night, journalist Mitch Cleary reported Baker met with the Eagles on Thursday while back in WA during Richmond’s mid-year break.
Baker won premierships under now-Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick in 2019 and 2020 at Richmond.
He’s finished in the top six of Richmond’s past four consecutive best and fairest counts.
The Tigers have the bye in Round 15 then face Carlton next weekend.