North Melbourne forward Jaidyn Stephenson has quit the AFL.
Stephenson is under contract with the Kangaroos for the 2025 season but has decided to walk away from the competition. Stephenson has lost passion for the game and has been weighing up a call to finish his AFL career.
โIt became clear as this season finished that I wasn't as passionate about football as I once was,โ Stephenson said in a club statement.
โI 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.
โI've been fortunate to play at North Melbourne and Collingwood, clubs with long and proud histories. I want to thank the coaches, staff, volunteers and fans for their support and I wish my old teammates well.โ
The decision sees the 25-year-old leave the AFL after 122 career games, a spell that included winning the Rising Star Award following a promising debut 2018 season.
Stephenson started his career with Collingwood, who he joined as the sixth overall pick in the 2017 AFL Draft and would spend three years with before being traded to the Kangaroos.
The athletic forward was a key piece in the Magpies' grand final finish during his maiden season, booting 38 goals to take out the Rising Star Award.
He infamously served a 10-game suspension and was handed a $20,000 fine in 2019 after being found guilty of placing bets on Collingwood games while playing with the club.
Stephenson's time with the Kangaroos was less fruitful, with the Ferntree Gully product amassing 68 games over four seasons for a return of just eight wins.
โWe appreciate that Jaidyn has made this decision in his best interests and that he is keen to explore other things in his life,โ North Melbourne football boss Todd Viney said.
โWe thank Jaidyn, parents Darren and Raquel and the Stephenson familyย for their contribution to the club over the past four years.โ
Stephenson's departure opens a further list spot at North Melbourne ahead of next month's AFL Draft.
