Geelong premiership star Tyson Stengle will take time away from pre-season training after being granted leave by the club.

The Cats are prioritising Stengle's welfare and fully support his break, the club said on Monday, and, despite not setting a timeline, are expect the small forward to return to training "in the short term".

"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," Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie said.

According to reports, Stengle is understood to have not returned to the club following the Christmas break as he deals with a personal concern having been granted additional leave by the Cats.

The 27-year-old, his management and the club are set to continue to work together on his return.

Less than eight weeks remain until Geelong's AFL season opener against Gold Coast on March 6.

Since arriving at Geelong ahead of the 2022 season, Stengle has run out in the hoops on 93 occasions, booting 160 goals for the club.

He lifted the premiership cup in his first year at the Cats, and featured in last year's unsuccessful grand final side.

Stengle signed a five-year extension with the Cats at the end of the 2024 season, keeping him at Kardinia Park until at least the end of 2029.

The announcement of his leave comes days after Collingwood confirmed Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill stepped back from Magpies preseason training for personal reasons.