Report: Jaidyn Stephenson to walk away from footy and AFL contract  

North Melbourne’s Jaidyn Stephenson is set to retire from AFL footy despite having a year to run on his contract, reports Seven’s Mitch Cleary.

According to Cleary, Stephenson is walking away from the sport after 122 career games including 12 in 2024 for the Roos.

Stephenson makes the call despite having a contract at Arden St until the end of the 2025 season, with Cleary adding that he’s lost passion for the game and has considered making the hard call for some time.

The utility originally joined the Kangaroos in 2020 after three seasons with Collingwood where he impressed up forward after being taken with pick No. 6 in the 2017 Draft.

Stephenson won the AFL’s Rising Star Award in 2018 after kicking 38 goals in his debut year but has struggled with form in recent seasons after playing in a variety of roles.