Former North Melbourne speedster Jaidyn Stephenson eyeing return to AFL

Former Collingwood and North Melbourne speedster Jaidyn Stephenson is attempting to reignite his AFL career less than 12 months after walking away from the game.

7NEWS can reveal Stephenson has started approaching clubs direct to build interest over a surprise return in 2026.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Jaidyn Stephenson opens up on decision to retire early

The 26-year-old retired from the AFL last year despite having another season to run on his contract at Arden Street.

He received a payout for a portion of his 2025 wage.

Stephenson returned to local club Ferntree Gully and booted 38 goals in the Eastern Football League Division 3 this year.

Multiple clubs contacted by 7NEWS insisted Stephenson was initiating contact himself, separate to his management.

While there isn’t overwhelming initial interest in Stephenson winning an AFL reprieve, clubs said it was something they would consider post-draft for a pre-season rookie training slot.

Drafted by Collingwood at the end of 2017, Stephenson burst onto the scene in his debut season, kicking 38 goals to win the Rising Star award.

He departed Collingwood at the end of 2020 and played four seasons at North Melbourne and retired on 122 AFL games.

Stephenson was contacted for comment.

He recently opened up on his decision to retire, telling 7NEWS.com.au podcast What Could’ve Been that he lost the passion to play.

“I had games where I had 24 (disposals) and kicked three, and then you come out of your game review, and I felt pretty flat,” Stephenson said.

“It was like, ‘I’ve done this wrong and I’ve done that wrong’ — is it because we lost or is it actually what it is? I don’t know, everything just seemed to be amplified, and I obviously didn’t deal with it well enough, and it did just start to weigh and weigh and weigh.

“Eventually I just didn’t want to be there — fell out of love with it, was over it. It was tough.”