Jaidyn Stephenson in mix to return to football days after shock AFL retirement

AFL retiree Jaidyn Stephenson could make an immediate return to football in his original stripes where it all began.

The 25-year-old former Rising Star winner walked away from the elite level this week despite having a year to run on his contract with North Melbourne.

But it appears he may not give up the game entirely.

Stephenson is expected to meet with his junior club Ferntree Gully about the possibility of playing next season when he arrives home from an overseas holiday in the coming weeks, 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary reports.

The Eagles finished eighth in the fourth tier of the Eastern Football Netball League this year.

They made their interest in Stephenson clear when they celebrated his career earlier this week.

“Congrats to Gully junior Jaidyn Stephenson on his AFL career, the club would like to wish him all the best in retirement,” their post read.

“The doors are always wide open for you down at Wally Tew!”

Stephenson wrestled with his decision to leave North Melbourne for some time.

“It became clear as this season finished that I wasn’t as passionate about football as I once was,” Stephenson said in a Kangaroos club statement.

“I 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.”

After a strong start to life at North following his move from Collingwood, Stephenson struggled for form and consistency the past two seasons.

He managed just 12 senior games this year as he fell out of favour under coach Alastair Clarkson.

Taken by the Pies with pick No.6 in the 2017 draft, Stephenson enjoyed a brilliant debut season the following year.

He kicked 38 goals, including two in the grand final loss to West Coast, and won the Rising Star award.

Stephenson’s 2019 season was derailed by a 10-match suspension for placing betting on Collingwood games.

He also came under fire for an incident in 2019 when he was hospitalised from an accident on his mountain bike while drunk.

Stephenson finished his career with 54 appearances for Collingwood and 68 for North Melbourne.