AFL draft prospect Jaidyn Stephenson shouldn’t be overlooked due to heart condition, says manager

AFL CLUBS have been urged not to overlook one of the country’s hottest draft prospects because of the recent revelation he has a heart condition.

Jaidyn Stephenson in action for Eastern Ranges during the TAC Cup elimination final.

AFL CLUBS have been urged not to overlook one of the country’s hottest draft prospects because of the recent revelation he has a heart condition.

Ferntree Gully boy Jaidyn Stephenson’s manager said medical experts had cleared the line-breaking midfielder fit to be taken in next Friday’s AFL draft.

The Eastern Ranges star has long been considered a top-10 selection with North Melbourne (pick No.4), Fremantle (No.5), Collingwood (No.6) and St Kilda (No.7 and 8) circling.

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While Stephenson, 18, could still be taken with a prized selection, his draft ranking is suddenly unclear.

Stephenson was best-afield in the AFL Grand Final curtain-raiser and booted five goals from 28 disposals as Vic Metro smashed South Australia on Etihad Stadium this year.

The speedster’s manager, Robbie D’Orazio, said he was at “no more risk than any other player” in this year’s draft.

Under-18 All-Australian Jaidyn Stephenson and sister, national under-17 netballer, Tegan. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“We’ve left this to the medical experts, and the doctors that Jaidyn’s been working with on this have said there is no issue,” D’Orazio said.

“Whatever club picks Jaidyn will have a player that will play for a long time. He’s an outstanding character and winner of the AFL Life Members Scholarship.

“The clubs that don’t pick him because of this will regret it, because he’s going to play for a long time.”

Champion Data ranks the X-factor player No.3 in this year’s draft, ahead of dux fancies Luke Davies-Uniacke and Paddy Dow.

The young leader excelled at draft combine testing last month and impressed the Kangaroos when he trained at Arden St earlier this year.

The Herald Sun knows of clubs that will now pass on Stephenson. They deem the potential emotional and liability risks too great.

Jaidyn Stephenson in action for Eastern Ranges. Picture: Brendan Francis

“It’s serious,” one chief recruiter said.

“We haven’t made a final call, but it’s a big worry. But every club will view it differently, and that’s important. It’s certainly very well-known.”

Stephenson has been reviewed by multiple cardiologists. Some reports have been sent to the AFL under standard draft protocols.

Most clubs learned about Stephenson’s heart issue in early October.

Stephenson finished his Year 12 exams on Tuesday and will now recommence meeting with AFL clubs.

Stephenson averaged 30 disposals in the last five TAC Cup games and averaged 117 SuperCoach points for Eastern this year.