Tyson Stengle's time in the navy and white hoops has come to an end after he and Geelong reached a mutual agreement to part ways.

The Cats premiership forward has spent extended periods away from the club this season, and has not played at AFL at any point through 2026.

His management, the AFL Players' Association and Geelong reached an agreement on Friday.

"After a tough year or so I have made the decision to step away from AFL football and move home and be with family where I feel more comfortable. It was a tough decision but it was the best decision for me mentally," Stengle wrote on social media.

The 27-year-old thanked the Cats for his time as a player and support received.

"Thank you so much to the Geelong Footy Club. In particular, to my teammates, the coaching staff, the support staff and most importantly to the fans," Stengle said, in a statement via the club.

"Your unwavering and loyal support through the great times and the tough times has meant more to me than you will ever know. I am deeply grateful, and look forward to supporting the Club as a fan."

He went further into detail about his accolades and thanks to Geelong, the fans, Chris Scott, Nigel Lappin, Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and Mark Worthington in particular.

Among the highs and lows of footy, his flag and All Australian selection at the Cats stood out, he added.

"I will always be grateful for playing at the top level and playing in the biggest games of them all, it was always fun and exciting," he wrote.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported along the way."

Stengle was given a second chance at AFL level with Geelong after beginning his career at Richmond and the Crows.

In the same season he arrived at Kardina Park, he booted a game-high four majors in a 81-point thrashing of Sydney in the 2022 Grand Final.

Stengle was an All Australian the same year.

He played 93 AFL games for Geelong, including 24 in 2025.

"We would like to congratulate Tyson on what he has achieved over his career, including his time at Geelong. To play over 100 games, earn All Australian selection and be part of a Premiership team are achievements we are proud to have shared with him," Cats footy boss Andrew Mackie said.

"Tyson has shown tremendous resilience during his time at Geelong, and we believe now is the right time for both Tyson and the Club to move forward.

"We thank Tyson for his contribution to the Cats and celebrate what he has achieved in his football career."