Just days after retiring from the AFL, Jaidyn Stephenson may not be stepping away from the game entirely.

The 25-year-old former Rising Star winner, who walked away from North Melbourne with a year left on his contract, is reportedly considering a return to his roots at his junior club, Ferntree Gully.

Stephenson's junior club, the Ferntree Gully Eagles, have expressed strong interest in welcoming him back.

The club recently celebrated his AFL career on social media, saying, โ€œCongrats to Gully junior Jaidyn Stephenson on his AFL career, the club would like to wish him all the best in retirement."

"The doors are always wide open for you down at Wally Tew!โ€

The sentiment is clear: should Stephenson wish to keep playing, Ferntree Gully would be happy to see him pull on the boots again.

According to 7NEWS AFL reporter Mitch Cleary, Stephenson plans to meet with the Eagles about playing next season after he returns from an overseas holiday in the coming weeks.

Stephenson, a top talent with Collingwood and North Melbourne, burst onto the AFL scene in 2018 after being selected sixth overall in the 2017 draft.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 06: Jaidyn Stephenson of Collingwood celebrates kicking a goal during the round seven AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Collingwood Magpies at The Gabba on May 6, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Known for his pace and goal sense, he kicked 38 goals and won the AFL Rising Star award in his debut season, even featuring in Collingwood's grand final loss to West Coast.

However, Stephenson's career was also marked by off-field challenges, including a 10-game suspension in 2019 for placing bets on Collingwood games and an accident while under the influence that resulted in a hip fracture in 2021.

Ultimately, Stephenson cited a loss of passion for AFL football as the reason for his retirement.

โ€œI 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,โ€ he shared in a statement via North Melbourne.

However, his possible return to Ferntree Gully suggests his love for the game itself might still have some life.

Stephenson's return would be a significant boost for the Eagles, who finished eighth in the Eastern Football Netball League's fourth division this year.

The potential decision to play on with his old club will hopefully reignite his enthusiasm for football and the excitement of local fans eager to see a hometown hero back on the field.