FTGDCA 2024-25: Ex-AFL livewire Jaidyn Stephenson wins cricket flag with Ferntree Gully

Former AFL Magpie and Kangaroo Jaidyn Stephenson hasn’t just been a big signing in suburban footy, with the livewire producing a flag-winning performance on the local cricket scene ...

Jaidyn Stephenson won a flag with great mate Jessie Smyth at Ferntree Gully CC on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

He hasn’t only been one of the marquee local footy signings.

Former Collingwood and North Melbourne livewire Jaidyn Stephenson is toasting a cricket premiership with Ferntree Gully after helping the club’s Third XI to victory in Saturday’s FTGDCA Community 1-2 B-grade decider.

The 26-year-old – who retired from the AFL at the end of last season before quickly returning to the Gully where he played his juniors – put up an unbeaten 25 runs from 30 balls against Eildon Park to lift the Blues to 0-51 and a 10-wicket win.

FTG celebrates its Third XI flag. Picture: Supplied

Combining with Stephenson was his great mate Jessie Smyth, knocking 22*, including the winning four.

Stephenson put away 506 runs this season across the Community 1-2 and Norm Reeves Shield Reserve comps, highlighted by an unbeaten 101 against Upper Gully.

Ferntree Gully president Lee Thompson said Stephenson had a long association with the club.

“He’s been a big part of the cricket club growing up as a child,” Thompson said.

“He’s made a couple of centuries (this season), helped us out in the twos a couple of times … he’s predominantly playing to play with a few of his mates.

“Now he’s out (of the AFL) he’s back playing full-time and it’s good to have him back … he’s had a very good year.”

Eildon Park’s innings with the bat was short-lived at 10-50, with Gully skipper Daniel Jones tearing through the hosts with 4-7 off 6.2 overs, while Nick Woods (2-5 off six) and Lachlan Wolff (2-7 off seven) also caused a few headaches.

“We were able to bowl out Eildon Park for a very paltry amount, and then we were able to get the runs pretty easily. I think the game was done by 3.30 … I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it,” Thompson said.