Port Adelaide is set to offer Jaidyn Stephenson a shock AFL lifeline.
The 26-year-old retired at the end of 2024 after 122 games for Collingwood and North Melbourne, saying he had fallen out of love with the game.
However, 9News Adelaide’s Braden Ingram is reporting that he will train with Port Adelaide over summer in the hopes of joining their list via the supplemental selection period.
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Jaidyn Stephenson of the Kangaroos. Getty
Stephenson earlier in the year had reached out to the likes of Port Adelaide and Carlton in the hopes of restarting his career.
And the Power have seemingly granted him that opportunity.
Stephenson won the 2018 AFL Rising Star award after kicking 38 goals in his debut season for Collingwood.
He appeared to be a star of the future, but a sports betting scandal the following season would be the start of his controversial decline.
He was suspended for 12 matches and fined $20,000 for betting on himself in AFL matches.
The Pies shockingly traded him to North Melbourne in 2020 and the following year he broke his hip while doing stunts on a bicycle while intoxicated.
Jaidyn Stephenson Getty
He ultimately played 68 games for North Melbourne before the surprise retirement call.
Stephenson played local football for Ferntree Gully in 2025, captaining their division three side.
All eyes will be on how he trains over summer to see if Port Adelaide rewards him with a rookie list spot.
It’s a new era at the Power, with Josh Carr taking over as coach from Ken Hinkley.
The club will likely confirm its summer train-on players following the draft.