Former Rising Star Jaidyn Stephenson winner quits AFL at just 25

EXCLUSIVE

North Melbourne utility Jaidyn Stephenson is walking away from the AFL.

The 25-year-old has made the decision to retire, despite having a contract for next year.

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Stephenson, who won the AFL Rising Star Award in 2018 with Collingwood, has lost the passion for the game.

It’s understood he wrestled with his decision for some time.

Stephenson joined the Roos at the end of 2020 on a five-year deal.

After a strong start at his second club, Stephenson struggled for form and consistency the past two seasons.

He managed just 12 senior games this year as he fell out of favour.

Taken with pick No.6 in the 2017 draft, Stephenson enjoyed a brilliant debut season for the Pies in 2018.

He kicked 38 goals, including two in the grand final loss to West Coast, as he won the AFL Rising Star Award.

Stephenson’s 2019 season was derailed by a 10-match suspension for placing betting on Collingwood games.

He also came under fire for an incident in 2019 when he was hospitalised from an accident on his mountain bike while drunk.

Stephenson finishes his career with 122 games, 54 for Collingwood and 68 for North Melbourne.