In a move that has shocked the AFL community, Jaidyn Stephenson, a standout player for North Melbourne, has announced his retirement at just 25 years old. Despite being contracted for the upcoming season, the young star revealed that his passion for the game had waned, leading to this unexpected decision.
Stephenson, who was selected with the sixth pick in the 2017 draft, made an immediate impact in the league. His stellar debut season saw him win the 2018 Rising Star Award, during which he scored 38 goals, including two in Collingwood’s grand final loss to West Coast. However, his career took a downturn following a betting scandal in 2019, where he was suspended for the final 10 games and fined $20,000 for placing bets on his own team’s matches.
Following the 2020 season, Collingwood’s salary cap issues forced them to trade Stephenson to North Melbourne, where he signed a five-year deal. Although he showed glimpses of his earlier form, his career trajectory slowed down. A major turning point came when Stephenson fractured his hip after a drunk mountain biking accident in 2021, drawing widespread criticism.
In the 2024 season, Stephenson’s productivity dropped further, managing only 12 games and eight goals. His struggle for form saw him spend significant time in the VFL, leading to his decision to step away from the sport. With a career spanning 122 matches across Collingwood and North Melbourne, his retirement at such a young age leaves fans wondering what’s next for the talented player and how North Melbourne will cope with his absence.
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