AFL boss’ Indian mission; Stengle returns to the Cats after extended leave

AFL boss Andrew Dillon will kick off his year with a short trip to India for an AFL tournament as the league directs its attention to building connections with the Indian community inside and outside Australia.

He will be joined by the league’s head of strategy, Walter Lee, for a tournament in Ranchi in the country’s Jharkhand state and the pair will also visit Mumbai.

There has been a significant increase in the number of Indians playing the game, with the tournament in Ranchi involving 11 teams from across the country. The AFL is conscious of involving the huge Indian community living in Australia in the game and will again broadcast the men and women’s seasons with Hindi commentary in 2026.

There are no plans for the League to take teams to India to play against each other in the near future however there are hopes a game may be broadcast into the populous nation who are becoming more involved in professional sports played outside India.

Jai Saxena became just the second player with two parents of Indian heritage to join an AFL list in the game’s history when Collingwood drafted him in November. He followed Balraj Singh, who was on Adelaide’s list in 2000 but did not play a senior game.

Dillon is expected to be away for six days and meet with business leaders in India.
- Peter Ryan

Stengle returns to training at Geelong

All-Australian small forward Tyson Stengle has returned to Geelong and rejoined their football program after taking time away from club.

Stengle, who took leave for an indefinite period to deal with personal issues, came back to Geelong on Wednesday and will rejoin the Cats on a modified program, according to two sources with knowledge of Stengle’s situation.

Stengle, who spent time in his home state of South Australia while away from the club, will train with others on a modified program, having been away since before Christmas.

The Cats announced that his leave was extended after Christmas.

“Tyson’s welfare is our priority and, with the support of the club, he’ll be given the time he needs before returning to training,” football boss Andrew Mackie said in a statement earlier in January.

The 27-year-old has been an exceptional recruit since Geelong picked him up before the 2022 premiership season in which he was an important contributor, booting more than 50 goals and making the All-Australian team.

Stengle, originally drafted to Richmond and then traded to Adelaide, has faced a series of off-field challenges including a drink-driving charge and an arrest when found in possession of an illicit substance during his time with Crows.

The Cats have handled the talented forward with care, aided by Indigenous great and ex-Crows and Carlton star Eddie Betts and his wife Anna, who manages Stengle and have provided support throughout recent years in dealing with his off-field challenges.

Stengle secured a five-year contract worth an estimated $3.5 million during 2024, following a strong offer from St Kilda. He is contracted for a further four years, including 2026.

Stengle has played 93 matches in his four seasons at Geelong and is contracted until 2029.
- Jake Niall

Important Bomber hopes his injury woes are behind him

Essendon forward Kyle Langford hopes an overseas trip will help him put last year’s injury woes behind him after another frustrating season led to him playing just nine matches.

Langford’s absence through the first half of the season robbed the Bombers of his goal-scoring power and much needed leadership within the forward line, alongside inexperienced duo Nate Caddy and Isaac Kako.

The 29-year-old said his confidence had returned and his fingers were crossed that he could return to the consistency he displayed in 2023 and 2024 when he kicked 94 goals in 46 matches.

“I went away to Aspetar [in Qatar] throughout the break, got some really good results and feedback, and then at training, Matty’s been great. Dave Regan [the new senior strength and conditioning coach] in the gym as well – It’s been a really good one-two combo. I’ve had a really good pre-season, and I think that’s a really good base for the season,” Langford said.

“We were able to assess the injuries from last year and the initial hamstring, I think was just an unlucky circumstance. It’s almost a perfect mechanism for a hamstring, and the quad was probably just a bit of loading thing. So we learnt that as long as I’m in the right program, my body will be fine, so it gives me a lot of confidence moving forward.”

Meanwhile, Adelaide Crows youngster Dan Curtin will require surgery after dislocating his left kneecap on Monday. Curtin avoided any bone or ligament damage, but the club decided an operation was required to stabilise the knee. The 20-year-old has suffered partial dislocations as a junior. He is expected to be unavailable until at least round seven.
- Peter Ryan

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