New star to shine

By Casey Neill
JAIDYN Stephenson is a name to note – the Ferntree Gully footballer appears destined for AFL stardom.
The 12-year-old shone for Victoria in the Under 12 championships, and capped off a stellar season for the Ferntree Gully Eagles Junior Football Club with a grand final and league best and fairest honours – despite missing five games.
“He didn’t give himself a chance,” his mum Raquel Stephenson said.
The talented midfielder was the state’s vice-captain in the Australian Football 12 and Under Championships held in Canberra in July.
“Jaidyn also won the annual award given to a player between NSW and Victoria for leadership, courage, setting good philosophies that are important in football and all sports, and going about his football in a friendly but competitive way,” Mrs Stephenson said.
Even making the side was an honour. More than 6000 Victorian boys vied for a place through a selection process than started in April.
He made the final 23-man team, and helped guide them to a silver medal. They played six games in seven days, winning each convincingly until they met South Australia in the play-off match.
“South Australia played extremely well and Victoria didn’t really get started,” Mrs Stephenson said.
Jaidyn loved the challenge of playing alongside and competing against the best Under 12 footballers in the country.
“It was a really good experience. I’d love to do it again,” he said.
A challenge also drew Jaidyn to move to the Eagles in the Eastern Football League last year.
He’d pulled on the boots for Upwey since he was seven years old, but the Dandenong Ranges Junior Football League club wouldn’t allow him to play up a grade.
“I wanted a bit more of a challenge. It’s a more skilled league,” he said.
The Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School student has grown up around footy.
“It started with me and dad just having a kick,” he said.
His grandfather has also been an inspiration.
“Pa Max always used to throw socks and stuff at me to catch,” he said.
“Pa Max is quite sick. I want to do it for him.”
The Brisbane Lions supporter – “I jumped on a team that was winning” – wants to one day play for Carlton.
“I don’t want to move away from home,” he said.
He’s confident he’s doing the work necessary to make his dream come true. He’ll focus on club footy next year, and hopes to back up this year’s premiership.