Jaidyn Stephenson has opened up on how his shock move to North Melbourne came about.
The 21-year-old forward was traded by Collingwood along with Atu Bosenavulagi and pick 39, in exchange for picks 26, 33 and 70.
Stephenson explained on SEN Drive how the surprise move occurred and how coach Nathan Buckley was the only Magpies official he spoke with.
“My manager came to me and then I heard nothing from the club,” the 2018 Rising Star said.
“I gave Bucks a call myself to see what was going on and how it was, and he just pretty much said, ‘mate, look for a trade as aggressively as you want and we’ll try to facilitate it’.
“There wasn’t a very clear reasoning or anything, but I think it’s all worked out for the best.”
He added: “There was only that one time I called Bucks and that was the only time I really spoke to anyone in administration from Collingwood.
“I had an outpouring of messages from teammates asking and seeing how I was.
“That phone call I made to Bucks was the only call I had with anyone up high at Collingwood.”
Stephenson gave some insight into the conversation he had with Buckley and what he learnt about why he was being pushed out.
“He said he doesn’t know if I’ve allowed myself to open up to the group which I don’t necessarily agree with,” he added.
“But if that’s how he saw it, he’s the coach and that’s his prerogative.
“I’ll definitely be endearing myself to my new teammates and coaches. Hopefully I can put a better foot forward there if that’s what he thought my problem was.”
Stephenson continued: “He (Buckley) also said he saw a few things this year that he didn’t like as a footballer.
“That’s probably completely fair enough. I didn’t have the year I would have hoped either but it was quite a challenging year with glandular fever at the start and then being shipped up into a hub. It was a bizarre year all round.
“If you’re going to judge me off one year, that’s their problem I suppose, not mine.”
The speedster admitted he was keen to stay put at the Holden Centre but will now look to greener pastures at Arden Street.
“I said the whole time I wanted to stay,” Stephenson said further.
“I’ve obviously built some great relationships with players, coaches and support staff.
“I honestly loved playing at the club but it’s not always to be and I think I can build those same relationships with the players, coaches and support staff at North Melbourne.”
After three seasons, 54 games and 76 goals, Stephenson admits it was a shock to be traded but says he will only have fond memories of playing int are black and white.
“I wouldn’t say peed off is the word,” he said.
“I was a little bit shocked. That’s probably the bets word to use.
“I’m very grateful for everything Collingwood has offered me for taking a chance on me in the first place. It’s allowed me to play in a Grand Final and play in eight finals to date.
“I have nothing but good things to say about my time at Collingwood and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead at North Melbourne.”
After three seasons, 54 games and 76 goals, Stephenson admits it was a shock to be traded but says he will only have fond memories of playing in the black and white.
“I wouldn’t say peed off is the word,” he said.
“I was a little bit shocked. That’s probably the best word to use.
“I’m very grateful for everything Collingwood has offered me for taking a chance on me in the first place. It’s allowed me to play in a Grand Final and play in eight finals to date.
“I have nothing but good things to say about my time at Collingwood and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead at North Melbourne.”