Recently retired North Melbourne forward Jaidyn Stephenson will continue his football career in 2025 for junior club Ferntree Gully in the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL).
Stephenson decided to hang up the boots because he wasn't "passionate about football", flagging a keen interest to see what life would be like after the AFL.
Now, the 25-year-old will reunite with his former club, donning the blue and white where it all began.
The Eagles welcomed back Stephenson into the fold.
"The FTGFNC is thrilled to announce the signing of Jaidyn Stephenson as a playing assistant coach for the 2025 season," the club statement said.
"Jaidyn brings a wealth of talent and experience, having played 122 games and kicked 130 goals in his AFL career with Collingwood and North Melbourne, where he also won the Rising Star Award in his debut season in 2018.
"Jaidyn is showing his loyalty to his roots by pulling on the blue and white once again, returning to the gully where it all began.
"This isn't the first time a Stephenson has graced our senior ranks—Jaidyn's father, Darren, was a standout player for the club through the 80s and 90s winning a Best and Fairest in 1989. Jaidyn also spent his junior years with the club, learning from another Gully great, Danny Cassidy, who won two Best and Fairest awards in 1995 and 2001.
"Under Danny's coaching, Jaidyn honed his skills and contributed to multiple junior premierships, setting the foundation for his AFL journey.
"In his role as playing assistant coach, Jaidyn will help guide our young squad, bringing leadership, game knowledge, and a competitive edge that will inspire and elevate our team."
Ferntree Gully are in Division 3 of the EFNL, finishing eighth in 2024.
Stephenson played 122 AFL games (Collingwood - 54, North Melbourne 68), kicking 130 goals, including the 38 majors he slotted in his maiden season, earning him the AFL Rising Star Award.
However, he began to fall out of favour under Alastair Clarkson at the Kangaroos, playing a career-low 12 games in 2024.