North Melbourne forward Jaidyn Stephenson has called time on his AFL career after 122 games across seven years.

He will step away from the game after considering his future at the end of the 2024 season. 

The 25-year-old represented the Kangaroos in 68 games after being traded to the club at the end of 2020.

He joined North Melbourne from Collingwood, who took him with the sixth selection in the 2017 AFL Draft. He represented the Magpies in the 2018 AFL Grand Final and claimed the AFL’s Rising Star Award in the same season.  

After three seasons with the Magpies, he was traded to Arden St and featured in 19 matches in his first year. In 2024, his last season with the Roos, he played 12 AFL matches. 

In 2023 Stephenson won the Peter Scanlon Community Award at the Syd Barker Medal for his work with national not-for-profit organisation, HeartKids.

Diagnosed with a genetic heart condition on the eve of being drafted, Stephenson became a HeartKids ambassador in 2017. 

Stephenson told the club of his decision to step away from the game this week, saying he no longer had the hunger to devote himself fully.

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

“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.

“I’ve been fortunate to play at North Melbourne and Collingwood, clubs with long and proud histories. I want to thank the coaches, staff, volunteers and fans for their support and I wish my old teammates well.”

North Melbourne general manager of football Todd Viney thanked Stephenson for his service.

“We appreciate that Jaidyn has made this decision in his best interests and that he is keen to explore other things in his life,” Viney said.

“We thank Jaidyn, parents Darren and Raquel and the Stephenson family for their contribution to the club over the past four years.”