AFL retiree Jaidyn Stephenson signs with junior club Ferntree Gully in immediate football return

Former North Melbourne and Collingwood forward Jaidyn Stephenson will make an immediate return to football at the club where his football journey all began.

The AFL retiree has signed with his junior club, Ferntree Gully, in Melbourne’s Eastern Football Netball League.

The club officially unveiled the 25-year-old as its marquee signing on Sunday night, also confirming he would have both on-field and off-field roles.

“The FTGFNC is thrilled to announce the signing of Jaidyn Stephenson as a playing assistant coach for the 2025 season!” Ferntree Gully 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.”

The Eagles finished eighth in the fourth tier of the EFNL this year.

They made their interest in Stephenson clear when they celebrated his career upon his retirement.

“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 at the time.

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

The club said Stephenson will be an invaluable asset.

“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,” the Eagles said.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Jaidyn and his family back to the club. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome home to the Gully family!”

Speaking at the time of his retirement, Stephenson said he had 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 over 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.