Jaidyn Stephenson's Unwavering Determination for an AFL Revival
Former Rising Star winner Jaidyn Stephenson is refusing to let a recent setback derail his dream of an AFL comeback. The 27-year-old was overlooked for a spot on Port Adelaide's list last week but responded with a stellar performance in the VFL, kicking six goals for Coburg against Sandringham during Saturday's standalones carnival.
A Summer of Training Ends in Disappointment
Stephenson, the 2017 No.6 draft pick, trained with the Power throughout the summer but was ultimately passed over in favor of Balyn O'Brien and Mitch Zadow for a spot on their list. Despite this, he remains realistic yet desperate to explore every opportunity ahead of the 2026 mid-season rookie draft.
Stephenson initially retired from the league at the end of 2024, aiming for a comeback this season after spending last year playing local footy while working as a fridge mechanic. Just four weeks ago, he was considered a strong favorite to secure a spot, but was let go only two weeks before the new campaign.
Gratitude and Resilience in the Face of Adversity
In a statement last week, Stephenson expressed his appreciation for the chance to train with Port Adelaide. "To save me answering all the messages, unfortunately I haven't been offered a spot at Port," he said. "I'm very appreciative of the opportunity Port Adelaide gave me to train on and have made some great friends in Adelaide. Wishing the club all the best for season 2026 and beyond."
On the field, Stephenson kicked 2.4 for Port Adelaide's SANFL practice match the day before his release, demonstrating his ongoing skill and commitment. Over his career, he has racked up 122 games with Collingwood and North Melbourne, including an impressive 38 goals in his debut AFL season.
Support from Within the Club
Port forward Jack Lukosius praised Stephenson's efforts during his train-on stint, highlighting his talent and work ethic. "He's definitely still got all the talent that made him a great player early in his career," Lukosius said before the decision. "And he has come in with kind of everything you'd want from a train-on — he's been training hard, doing all his extras, and ticking every box. So he's putting his best foot forward, that's for sure, and I think the group has accepted him. It hasn't stood out that he's played local footy last year at all. He's come in in a good spot. I think he must have done."
As Stephenson continues to push forward, his performance in the VFL and unwavering spirit suggest that his AFL revival dream is far from over, with eyes now set on future opportunities in the league.
