Former St Kilda and Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has taken aim at Jaidyn Stephenson after a quiet performance against former club Collingwood on Saturday.
Stephenson, who is in his second season for North Melbourne, managed just 12 touches during the 7-point loss, while giving away two free kicks.
Two years into a lucrative five-year contract at Arden Street after three years and 54 games with the Pies, Lyon questioned Stephenson's commitment to getting the best out of his talent.
"He physically doesn't compete, whether it was at Collingwood or North Melbourne," Lyon said on Triple M's The Sunday Rub.
"He causes issues off the field, he's getting overpaid and every time you pick a team you send a message. Enough of Jaidyn Stephenson for me.
"He's not applying himself. He's taking the mickey.
"When you sign that contract you're saying 'I'm going to dedicate myself, this is what I'll do and you'll pay me', he's not delivering."
The 23-year-old headed to North Melbourne at the end of 2020 in exchange for pick's 26 and 33 and kicked 17 years in his debut year for the club. The young forward has had his fair share of off-field issues, breaking his hip at the conclusion of the 2021 season after riding a bike while drinking.
"He refuses to accept any contact in the game now." @kanecornes calls out Jaidyn Stephenson's poor efforts late in the Kangaroos' loss to the Magpies, saying he'd 'almost go as far' as suggest they cost North the game.#9AFLSFS | Watch on Channel 9 pic.twitter.com/4KcjzvVCK4
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) July 10, 2022
Speaking on the Sunday Footy Show, former Port player Kane Cornes said he believed the former Pie could be dropped for North's Round 18 clash against Richmond.
“One player I was disappointed with yesterday was Jaidyn Stephenson, particularly early on in the last quarter,” Cornes said on Sunday.
“Three efforts here which I think could have cost North Melbourne the game. He has to go there. Too easily goes to ground.
“Some players are tougher than other, we know that, but he refuses to accept any contact in the game.
“This is the defence where he doesn’t want to play on anyone. McCreery is his man. He doesn’t get it, Collingwood get the goal from Jamie Elliott but it could’ve easily gone to his man.
“Once again, you’ve got to defend if you’re going to be there. Physically not up to the standard, I expect him to lose his place in the side next week and has been a disappointing recruit when you consider the money and the years he got at North Melbourne.”
Stephenson was subbed from the game in the fourth term with a hip complaint, replaced on the ground by Jack Mahony.
