NORTH Jaidyn Stephenson, a Melbourne forward and former Rising Star winner, announced his unexpected 25-year-old AFL retirement. Pick No. 6 in the 2017 draft, Stephenson played 54 games for Collingwood, including the 2018 Grand Final, and in his first season was named the AFL’s Rising Star. WHO HAS CALLED IT QUITS The delistings and retirements for 2024 As part of the Magpies’ salary cap dump at the end of 2020, which also saw Adam Treloar and Tom Phillips leave the team, he transferred to the Kangaroos.
Stephenson, who was contracted until the end of 2025, said he had simply lost the desire to play football professionally. “I loved the friendships the game brings, but having thought things through during the post-season break, I know I’m ready to see what life’s about away from AFL footy,” Stephenson said, adding that he played an additional 68 games for the Roos over the course of four seasons, including 12 this year.
I’ve had the good fortune to play at two clubs with illustrious histories: North Melbourne and Collingwood. I wish my former teammates well and want to thank the coaches, staff, volunteers, and supporters for their support.” Stephenson has chosen to go, but North Melbourne did not reveal the specifics of his contract position in a statement. According to Roos football manager Todd Viney, “We are grateful that Jaidyn has made this decision in his best interests and that he is eager to explore other things in his life.”
We are grateful to Jaidyn, the Stephenson family, and parents Darren and Raquel for your four years of support of the club. After striking five goals against Adelaide in his first season, Stephenson made an immediate impression and was nominated as a Rising Star in just his fourth game. After an incredible first season that included two goals in the first quarter of the Grand Final, which the Magpies narrowly lost to West Coast, he was given the trophy. During his brief career, Stephenson also courted controversy.
After it was discovered that he had wagered on three different games in 2019, he was fined $20,000 and banned for 12 games, which included the rest of the home and away season. Stephenson described his conduct as “incredibly stupid” after self-reporting the bets. He was admitted to the hospital in 2021 after breaking his hip while doing a mountain bike trick at home while having a drink with pals.
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