Contracted Roo, former rising star set to retire from AFL at just 25

North Melbourne forward Jaidyn Stephenson is set to retire from the AFL at just 25 with a year left on his contract.

The 2018 AFL Rising Star winner – who served a ban for betting on matches he was involved in – has lost his passion for the game, the Seven Network reports.

He is contracted through the 2025 season, but is expected to leave immediately.

The forward/midfielder has spent the last four seasons at North Melbourne after starting his career at Collingwood.

Stephenson was a highly rated junior footballer who was drafted into the Magpies with pick number 6 in the 2017 AFL draft.

Jadyn Stephenson. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photo via Getty Images)

The speedster kicked 38 goals in his debut season, leading the Rising Star to victory and the Magpies reaching the Grand Final.

From there, Stephenson was expected to progress and become a bona fide star.

But things went awry in 2019, when his season was ended early due to a 10-game suspension for betting on Collingwood games in which he was involved.

Stephenson was traded to North Melbourne at the end of the 2020 season amid Collingwood’s attempt to clear salary cap space and finished with 76 goals in 54 games for the Magpies.

He joined the Kangaroos on a five-year deal but had a poor performance at his second club.

In 2021, while attempting a stunt after drinking at home with housemates, Stephenson fell off his mountain bike in his backyard, breaking his hip.

He ultimately played 68 games for Norths, scoring 54 goals – including a league-high eight goals in 12 games this year.

The AAP has contacted North Melbourne for comment.

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