Geelong star Jeremy Cameron stoked to have Tyson Stengle re-sign as he believes Cats environment played a role

Jeremy Cameron didn’t speak to Tyson Stengle about his contract, but he did crack a couple of gags on the training track. And he feels the environment at the Cats helped convince him to stay.

Geelong spearhead Jeremy Cameron feels the relaxed and welcoming environment at the Cats played a role in convincing Tyson Stengle to stay as he said the forward line felt “different” without his partner in crime Tom Hawkins.

The Cats confirmed on Sunday that Stengle had signed a five-year deal until the end of 2029, knocking back strong interest from St Kilda.

Cameron, who made his own big move to Geelong at the end of 2020, said he hadn’t spoken to Stengle’s about his contract call aside from some cheeky digs at him at training.

The key forward said the players were informed post-game that Stengle had signed on, making the win over Essendon even sweeter.

Cameron had a feeling deep down that he would stay but he was absolutely thrilled that he would play alongside him beyond this season.

Tyson Stengle and Jeremy Cameron celebrate a goal. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“Deep down I thought he would (stay), but it could really go either way,” Cameron said.

“We were stoked when we heard Tyson committed long term for the club. He is an important piece and he’s given us so much and we absolutely love him. He plays well in big games, big moments and we’ve seen that since he’s been here so to have him commit was awesome.

“I didn’t have any input into it at all besides some cheeky sledges here and there on the training track.

“We won’t go into them, I won’t share them. It’s more fun. We like to keep it fun as a club anyway but inside the forward line it is more fun – we like to think it is more fun than the other lines.

“But now that’s just the way we are, the way we play, we are a relaxed group in general here at the Geelong Football Club and I think that’s why, at the end of the day, he felt so welcome early days.

“Everyone’s embraced him and he mentioned that when he signed on, how the club and the fans and everyone’s embraced him and the players, so I think that’s the most important thing.”

Cameron said the absence of Hawkins, who will miss at least the next seven matches with an atypical mid foot injury, forced other players to stand up to fill the void – both with their performances and directions out on the field.

Hawkins has used his wealth of experience to lend a helping hand to the forward group since his blow.

Cameron getting around to Cats fans at training on Monday. Picture: Brad Fleet

“Pretty different (without him), he’s been there for so many years, well before I was here, so he hasn’t missed many games with the club and he brings all that on field leadership,” Cameron said.

“He’s always around (the club), first and foremost he is trying his hardest to get back as quick as he can. After so many years in the competition, it’s incredible to see and then he’s always been that one that you can talk to about anything.

“He’s basically another coach, which can be quite rare to have that on-field coach if you like, but he’s helping all the younger players and even myself with structure and what we can do better, watches closely and has a good eye for football. So he plays a whole different range of roles.”

Cameron is excited by the potential of emerging key forward Shannon Neale, saying that the conditions were tricky for him in his return to the line-up, where he had eight touches and kicked a goal.

“When I sort of started football it was at a brand new club and I was probably lucky to get games, but he’s worked really hard on it, he’s come in and he’s played really good VFL football,” Cameron said.

“He’s always working to improve with the other forwards and he’s coming on really well. I’m excited to see him play more games of football and the more you play as a key position, the more comfortable you feel, and another 20-30 games into his body’s going to be very exciting for the football club.”

Originally published as Geelong star Jeremy Cameron stoked to have Tyson Stengle re-sign as he believes Cats environment played a role