It’s not only on the training track where Jaidyn Stephenson is impressing, with the 22-year-old making his voice heard off it as well.
Coach David Noble says Stephenson had done everything right since arriving at Arden Street, and was putting himself in a great position to have a big 2021 campaign.
“He’s (Stephenson) training well. I’m really impressed with the way he’s going about his business,” Noble said on 3AW.
Stephenson has been at the front of the pack in his running groups, and stood out with his skills by foot.
But it’s in the meeting room where he’s perhaps stepped up most.
“I think his footy intelligence in how he’s providing his help and input into our meetings around what we’d like to do, with some of our ball movement, some of our defence … I’ve been really impressed with how he’s gone about it,” Noble said.
Stephenson booted 38 goals in his first year, 2018, and has kicked 76 goals across three seasons in a predominantly forward role.
But a midfield rotation could be on the cards for the classy utility.
“We’ve certainly had some really honest and open discussions around he what needs to do in his game, how he wants to be coached, and the output we’re going to need from him in a variety of roles, whether it’s midfield or forward,” Noble added.
“He’s been a great acquisition.”
Stephenson arrived at North alongside Atu Bosenavulagi, via trade with Collingwood in November.