Stephenson crashes and is burned in trying to cover up

NORTH Melbourne young gun Jaidyn Stephenson asked hospital staff not to notify the Kangaroos after he presented in a wheelchair following a drunken backyard bicycle accident.

Stephenson was taken by ambulance to the Epworth on Friday after trying to perform a trick on his bike following drinks with housemates.

A source said he told staff he hurt himself after he rode down stairs.

It is claimed he then begged staff, “Don’t send North my medical report”.

The Kangaroos were made aware of the incident on Friday.

Stephenson remained in hospital overnight and met a surgeon on Saturday after X-rays discovered the small hip fracture.

It is unclear if it will affect his start to pre-season training, with the Kangaroos returning to the track from November 22.

After being contacted by News Corp Australia, North Melbourne provided a statement confirming the incident.

Kangaroos football boss Brady Rawlings said Stephenson was receiving the best medical care but had made a poor decision.

“Jaidyn’s pretty flat at the moment and he’s a bit sick and sorry,” Rawlings said.

“After having had drinks at home with his housemates, he attempted to perform a trick on his mountain bike off the back deck. He lost balance and fell on to a concrete paver.

“Initially, Jaidyn was able to walk but the pain progressed to a point that an ambulance was called.

“He was kept in overnight and he looks like he might be laid up for a while. At this stage he’ll have a stay in hospital while his surgeon decides whether he’ll need surgery.

“It puts a dampener on what was a promising season for Jaidyn. We’re disappointed with his poor judgment and his reckless action has resulted in quite a painful injury for him.”

Stephenson joined from Collingwood in the trade period last year.

He played 19 games this year and spent significant time through the midfield, averaging 19.4 disposals and kicking 17 goals.

The injury comes after Stephenson was forced to apologise for making comments on Instagram that the “media overplays” Covid.