NORTH Melbourne is committed to trading for Jaidyn Stephenson as the Collingwood youngster agonises over his future.
Stephenson has spoken to the Kangaroos, who have made it clear they would love to have him at Arden Street in 2021.
The exciting forward is contracted at the Pies until 2023 on a deal worth close to $600,000 a season, with Collingwood quietly agreeing to a new agreement only last year.
But Stephenson suddenly faces the difficult decision of staying at Collingwood where he knows he’s not wanted, or joining the coach-less Kangaroos who are bracing for a rebuild.
The Pies will also be asked to contribute some of Stephenson’s salary if he agrees to a trade.
It’s understood North’s acquisition of revered assistant coach John Blakey has played a big role in the play for Stephenson.
Gavin Brown is also at the club and knows Stephenson from his younger days at the Eastern Ranges where he played with Brown’s sons Tyler and Callum.
Like Adam Treloar, Stephenson, 21, had wanted to stay in a Collingwood side also looking to salary dump Tom Phillips to get on top of its glaring salary cap issues.
Stephenson, the 2018 Rising Star winner, booted 38 goals from 26 games in his debut year before following up with 24 from 14 last season.
But glandular fever, a lack of pre-season training and struggles with hub life all conspired to wreck his 2020 campaign.