Matthew Lloyd believes Collingwood’s reported willingness to trade with Jaidyn Stephenson could be little more than a tactical ploy to start a fire among the 21-year-old as the club’s secret expansion was revealed.
Stephenson fell out of favor with the Pies that year, missing the opening round and the first game after the restart, before later being eliminated in the later half of the season.
He returned to play in the two Collingwood finals, but recent reports say he hasn’t done enough to convince the club that he’s a player for the future.
The Rising Star winner’s contract for 2018 was believed to expire at the end of next season – but News Corp reports that he tacitly re-signed last year through the end of 2023.
This previously unknown detail removes pressure for Stephenson to perform in a contract year, but adds to the frustration of the Pies as they face contract renewals that add up to a tight salary cap.
Lloyd acknowledged that Collingwood would be disappointed with Stephenson’s performance relative to his wages.
But he wondered if the leaked rumors might have been planted to motivate the young player to improve, rather than the Pies having a serious desire to act on him.
Lloyd said Jobe Watson’s experience at Essendon when he formed up after a challenge from Coach Kevin Sheedy was an example for Stephenson.
“Jaidyn has to take a close look at a lot of things,” said the premier player on Trade Radio.
“Maybe Collingwood is just giving him a wake up call he needs because he probably just swam along and did it with natural talent.
“He has to work harder and ask a lot of questions about where he is and how he needs to improve.”
Port Adelaide Prime Minister Kane Cornes said the leaked trade rumors may “be a good move” and one that is not all that unusual.
He warned against writing off Stephenson after an interrupted season.
“That sometimes happens to young players in the game. I think we can expect too much from the players, ”said Cornes.
“A bad three year old as a young player is common. So the first sign of a weakness in his game at Collingwood is, “Wait a minute, we’re done, we’re out of here.”
“It frustrates me a little. What do you get in drafting a selection with Jaidyn Stephenson that is better or has more potential than Jaidyn Stephenson? “
Lloyd said problems with physical contact were Stephenson’s biggest problem as the inability to win the football limits its potential.
“If he gets a place on the goal pitch, he’s a very good AFL footballer because he can’t handle his speed,” he said.
“But what else can he do when he has physical contact or players in front of him – what else can he do to secure a soccer ball?
“Whether they overpaid him for what he’s worth at that point and are trying to free up a little more money.
“One second round player could be enough for him to win someone (another) – another $ 80,000 player and get rid of (Stephenson’s potential salary of) $ 300,000, that’s probably what you’re seeing with Jaidyn.
“Big question marks for Jaidyn, has the competition cleared him up? I think they probably have at this point. “
Collingwood is still trying to deal with Adam Treloar, who has several years to spare for a lucrative deal, while Tom Phillips and Mason Cox are also in the gun.
Brody Mihocek will avoid larger offers elsewhere and will sign again with the Pies.
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