AFL star Jaidyn Stephenson hospitalised after alcohol-fuelled accident

AFL star Jaidyn Stephenson is preparing to spend “a while” in hospital after an alcohol-fuelled accident at his home on Friday.

Stephenson previously trained with North Melbourne as a 17-year-old. Pic: Michael Klein

North Melbourne Kangaroos star Jaidyn Stephenson has been hospitalised after fracturing his hip performing a mountain bike trick.

According to the Kangaroos, the 22-year-old had been drinking with housemates at his home prior to the incident on Friday night.

Stephenson lost his balance while performing the trick and fell to the concrete.

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The former Collingwood player was admitted to hospital on Friday where he stayed overnight for assessment the following day.

North Melbourne’s general manager of football Brady Rawlings said Stephenson may be hospitalised “for a while”.

“Jaidyn’s pretty flat at the moment and he’s a bit sick and sorry,” Rawlings said.

“Initially, after the accident, Jaidyn was able to walk but the pain progressed to a point that an ambulance was called.

“He was kept in overnight and he looks like he might be laid up for a while. At this stage he’ll have a stay in hospital while his surgeon decides whether he’ll need surgery.

“It puts a dampener on what was a promising season for Jaidyn. We’re disappointed with his poor judgment and his reckless action has resulted in quite a painful injury for him.”

Stephenson played three seasons with the Magpies before joining the Kangaroos this year. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Kangaroos plan to provide an update on Stephenson’s condition once he has been assessed by hospital staff.

Given the Kangaroos finished the season as wooden-spooners for the first time since 1972, Stephenson’s injury has not prevented him from featuring in this year’s finals series, which commenced on Friday night.

Despite his side’s lowly ladder position, Stephenson enjoyed a strong first season as a Shinboner, playing 19 games for the year for an average of 19 disposals per game.

He scored a goal in the club’s most memorable win of the season, against West Coast in Perth in round 17, and booted a season-high three majors in the side’s victory over Carlton two weeks later.

Originally published as AFL star Jaidyn Stephenson hospitalised after alcohol-fuelled accident