Jaidyn Stephenson’s huge haul, as quick as a goal as you’ll see

Whether it be a funny exchange, a good stat or an action that’s laughed about after the game — it’s all here.

BALL ON A STRING

How’s this from ex-AFL Magpie and Kangaroo Jaidyn Stephenson? The zippy forward and midfielder collected a whopping 54 disposals, eight clearances and 10 marks in Ferntree Gully’s 56-point win over cross-town rival Upper Ferntree Gully on Saturday in the Eastern league’s Division 3. Stephenson, who returned to his junior club in the off-season, debuted against Scoresby in Round 1 in a heavy loss.

QUICK KICKS... LITERALLY

We named this column Quick Kicks for a reason and Ballarat league side Sunbury has gone and put its hand up with one of the better end-to-end goals you’re likely to see. Against Darley on the weekend, Jack Hannett launched a bomb from a kick out which ended up in the middle of the ground. As it went over the pack, Zac Stevens pounced and ran inside 50 before kicking truly. Have a look for yourself below.

A STAR MAN’S INJURY

We’re hearing whispers a big name recruit has gone down in the early stages of the season and a timeline for his return is unknown at this stage. There’s word the ex-AFL player could be set to miss the rest of the season. It would be a disastrous blow.

WELCOME BACK CARTER

Another former AFL player could be about to have a run around in the Mornington Peninsula league. Carter Michael, who played one game for the Brisbane Lions in 2022, kicking a goal, is on Williamstown’s VFL list this season — and Pines in the MPFNL is his “home club”. The 22-year-old has been sidelined with a quad injury but is nearing a return to the field, most likely with the Pythons. His booming left foot will be handy.

TRAV TEARS UP THE MIDDAY SHOW

Could former Geelong and Collingwood star Travis Varcoe pull on the boots as a playing coach this season for Altona in the WFNL? Well the Vikings coach played reserves on the weekend. He snagged two and according to a few onlookers did just about anything he wanted. Despite having the ball on a string, he was quick to instruct his younger teammates to find the right option.

SEB DOES IT AGAIN

Former Victorian wicketkeeper Seb Gotch received a mention in this column last week after taking a huge grab. But he’s been at it again in the VAFA’s Division 2 competition over the weekend for Canterbury. The newest Cobra booted seven goals but it wasn’t enough to get his side over the line as the Cobras went down.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

There was a heartwarming moment in Dingley’s thirds over the weekend when club president Clint Brooks played alongside his son for the first time. Something you love to see!

FOOD POISONING CAN’T STOP NEW ROSELLA

Promising young player Max Roney made his debut in Cheltenham’s strong Southern league Division 1 win over the weekend – but the occasion was almost cruelled by a nasty bout of food poisoning during the week. Roney had dropped three to four kilos of weight leading into the match as a result and it was touch and go whether the 19-year-old would be able to play, but he soldiered on. Roney is still based in Tasmania and playing Coates Talent League footy for ‘The Map’, but a gap in his schedule allowed him to debut for the Rosellas. He is also on Casey’s VFL development list and will make the move to Melbourne full-time later in the year.

SPEWIN’

Saturday’s warm weather mixed with a nasty corky didn’t bode well for one Southern league player, who spent “hours” vomiting in the toilets after the quarter-time break.

KICK IT TO US

Got your own quirky talking point from the weekend’s footy or a player who deserves recognition? Send it to us at: leaderlocalsport@news.com.au or hit us up on Facebook.

Originally published as Jaidyn Stephenson’s huge haul, as quick as a goal as you’ll see