EFNL 2024: Recently retired AFL Kangaroo Jaidyn Stephenson signs at Ferntree Gully

Just weeks after announcing a shock AFL retirement, ex-Magpie and Kangaroo Jaidyn Stephenson has revealed his next career move.

Jaidyn Stephenson played 122 AFL games across Collingwood and North Melbourne, kicking 130 goals. Pictured in action for the Kangaroos. Pic: Michael Klein

Just weeks after a shock AFL retirement, Jaidyn Stephenson has revealed his next career move.

The former Magpie and Kangaroo has landed back where it all began, returning to junior club Ferntree Gully in the Eastern league.

He’ll serve as a playing assistant coach in 2025.

The 25-year-old called time on his 122-game AFL career last month, citing: “It became clear as this season finished that I wasn’t as passionate about football as I once was.”

But Stephenson, who won the AFL’s Rising Star award in his debut season in 2018, featured in multiple junior premierships with Ferntree Gully before his selection by Collingwood in the 2017 national draft at pick 6 via the Eastern Ranges.

He’s set to follow in his father’s footsteps, who was a star for the Eagles through the 1980s and ‘90s.

“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 club said in a statement.

“This isn’t the first time a Stephenson has graced our senior ranks – Jaidyn’s father, Darren, was a standout player for the club through the ‘80s and ‘90s winning a best and fairest in 1989.”

Ferntree Gully competes in Eastern’s Division 3 – the league’s fourth tier – and missed the finals this season, finishing eighth with a 6-12 record.

It’s been an off-season of change at the Eagles with a host of key players departing and new coach Patty Garrity appointed.

But the club was confident Stephenson could lift its young group next season.

“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.”

Stephenson is among a line of ex-AFL names linking with Eastern league clubs this off-season, including Liam Shiels (South Croydon), Sam Weideman (Vermont), Josh Schache (Doncaster East) and Jake Aarts (Beaconsfield).

More to come.