Breaking: just now AFL News: ‘Lack of passion’ led to Stephenson’s retirement at just 25, Suns’ prime-time request, should draft age be raised?….more on how it all started….

Former North Melbourne Rising Star winner Jaidyn Stephenson has revealed losing passion for the game led to him retiring from the AFL aged just 25.

North Melbourne on Tuesday confirmed Stephenson, a former No.6 draft pick, will exit the league with a year to run on his contract.

“It became clear as this season finished that I wasn’t as passionate about football as I once was,” Stephenson said.

“I loved the friendships the game brings, but having thought things through during the post-season break, I know I’m ready to see what life’s about away from AFL footy.”

Stephenson burst onto the scene for Collingwood in 2018, booting 38 goals in his debut season to play an integral role in the Magpies’ charge to the grand final.

He became the first Collingwood player to win the Ron Evans Medal as the AFL’s Rising Star.

But things went awry in 2019 when his season was ended early by a 10-game suspension for placing bets on Collingwood games with which he was involved.