Geelong hard nut Tom Atkins says Tyson Stengle’s defensive efforts have gone unheralded

Geelong hard nut Tom Atkins has given an insight into coach Chris Scott’s message during a testing trip to Perth as a star forward becomes a league leader in an underrated element of his game.

Geelong coach Chris Scott instructs his charges against West Coast in Perth. Picture: Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Geelong hard nut Tom Atkins has lifted the lid on what a clearly frustrated senior coach Chris Scott was saying to his charges at three quarter time in Perth on Sunday night.

On Wednesday, Atkins, who recently signed a contract extension to keep him at Kardinia Park until 2027, was asked what the message was from an agitated Scott with the Cats leading by just 11 points at the final break.

However, the 29-year-old said his coach was rarely flustered.

“’Scotty’ never shows his frustrations, it’s always a very forward-looking mindset, and we still had a quarter of footy left (in Perth) and he was probably just reminding us we’re one of the best fourth quarter teams in the comp and it’s not just going to happen, we need to get out there and get it done,” Atkins said.

“That’s what eventuated, so it’s nice to have a calm mindset knowing that if you put in the effort you can execute.”

Chris Scott was noticeably fired up at three quarter time against the Eagles. Picture: St Pierre/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

This masthead revealed post-match the Cats have lost just one final term in 2025 and have scored 219 more points in total across those 12 quarters.

The Cats would blow away the Eagles with a 7.5 to 2.3 last term.

Meanwhile, Atkins said star forward’s Tyson Stengle’s league-leading defensive efforts had possibly been overlooked with the premiership Cat’s offensive output curbed somewhat in 2025 with 15 majors.

Stengle had 24 goals to Round 12 last year, 2023 was impacted by injury and 23 in Geelong’s premiership year at the same point of the season.

However, the good news is the former Tiger and Crow is currently number one in the comp for tackles inside attacking 50 with 26.

And in the past six weeks, Stengle has gone from being ranked 238 in the league to 124, with a marked improvement in ground balls inside 50.

Geelong’s Tyson Stengle was close to best on ground in the opening term against the Eagles. Picture: Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Atkins, who leads the AFL for tackles across the ground – he is 30 ahead of his nearest rival, West Coast’s Jack Graham – said he had no role in Stengle’s peerless pressure.

“That’s just all Tyson,” he said.

“It’s great, he’s such a talented offensive weapon, to be able to add that to his game just helps us win games.

“I think that’s just a credit to his team mindset.

“The forwards, they place high emphasis on having at least one tackle a game, so he’s definitely leading the way for them.

“I think it’s missed by the majority of people, in today’s game those offensive moments and awesome goals and (players) bursting out of packs ... that’s probably what the majority of people love seeing and the tackling and that sort of stuff is less valued but definitely not by our team.

“When Tyson’s done that sort of stuff and creating goals for others, it’s highly valued by his teammates.”

Nicely placed at 8-4 but with tough games to come against the Gold Coast Suns and the Brisbane Lions before its Round 16 bye, Atkins said he felt like the Cats had a chance to win all 12 matches.

Tom Atkins leads the league for tackles by 30. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images.

“I feel like every game we’ve been in it,” he said.

“There hasn’t been a game that we’ve played where I felt like we couldn’t have won,

“That’s probably been the most pleasing thing, that we’ve been able to stay in games.”

With the Suns coming up, Atkins said Noah Anderson had been the standout in 2025 and his past month had been “awesome”.

“(Matt) Rowell and Touk (Miller are really consistent players (too),” he said.

“It’s more about how can we nullify their strengths and amplify ours.”

Meanwhile, Atkins clarified his position with Geelong’s AFLW program, saying he will be a midfield “touch point” for the players.

“I’m not a coach, I’m just helping,” he said.

“They’re looking for a midfield coach at the moment, but, I’m very much just a voice or a touch point for the girls.

“I’ve been able to get down to a few trainings over the last couple of months, I really enjoyed working with them.

“They’re a really hard working group that are very keen to learn and get better.

“I’ll definitely get to games if I’m available.

“They’ll have a midfield coach going forward and then I’ll very much be there if they need me.”

Atkins said he was delighted to extend his contract by another two years.

“It’s always a massive relief, just to know you’ve got a job next year, it being at the Cats is an absolute treat and I’m very lucky to be here,” he said.

Originally published as Geelong hard nut Tom Atkins says Tyson Stengle’s defensive efforts have gone unheralded