BREAKING: 25yo AFL star suddenly quits the league — despite still ...
North Melbourne forward and Rising Star winner Jaidyn Stephenson has reportedly retired from the AFL, despite still being under contract.
7News Melbourne on Monday afternoon reported Stephenson, after careful consideration, had quit the league, citing he had “lost the passion for the game”.
The Kangaroos are expected to release a statement shortly to confirm the news that Stephenson, 25, has walked away.
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Taken by Collingwood with Pick 6 in the 2017 draft, Stephenson burst onto the AFL scene with a stunning debut season, kicking 38 goals from 26 games – including the Magpies’ Grand Final loss to West Coast – to win the 2018 Rising Star award.
But Stephenson’s 2019 was derailed when he was sensationally handed a 10-game ban for placing a series of bets on matches involving the Magpies. He was also in the headlines for a drunken mountain bike incident that led to him being hospitalised.
After falling out of favour at Collingwood, Stephenson was traded to North Melbourne after the 2020 season – as part of the Magpies’ salary dump process – and played four seasons for the Roos. His best year came in 2023 where he kicked 26 goals from 21 matches.
MORE TO COME …
