Ex-AFL rising star Jaidyn Stephenson speaks after Port Adelaide opt against offering contractGlenn Valencich7NEWS SportSun, 22 February 2026 6:04AM
Former rising star winner Jaidyn Stephenson has shared a positive outlook after being dealt a setback in his bid to return to the AFL.
News emerged on Saturday that the 27-year-old had missed out on a spot on Port Adelaide’s list following nearly three months on trial.
Stephenson initially retired from the league at the end of 2024 and sought to make a comeback for this season after spending last year in local footy.
Three weeks ago he was reported as a “$1.03 chance” to land a spot but he has instead been let go just two weeks out from the new campaign.
“To save me answering all the messages, unfortunately I haven’t been offered a spot at Port,” Stephenson confirmed.
“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.”
Stephenson made himself a target up forward in intraclubs and kicked two goals last week.
But he missed out on selection to a top-level scratch match against the Crows on Friday, instead kicking two more goals in the corresponding reserves clash.
His exit leaves East Fremantle small forward Mitch Zadow, ex-Geelong midfielder Ted Clohesy and Norwood defender Balyn O’Brien as Port’s remaining train-on players.
Stephenson, who kicked 38 goals in his first AFL season, racked up 122 games with the Pies and North Melbourne before stepping away.
He had impressed Port forward Jack Lukosius early in his train-on stint.
“He’s definitely still got all the talent that made him a great player early in his career,” Lukosius said.
“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 the work back end of the year into the off-season to give himself every chance — he’s looking like an AFL footballer.”
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