Stephenson OK after bike fall

NORTH Melbourne young gun Jaidyn Stephenson is likely to avoid surgery after a bicycle accident last week.

Stephenson met with a surgeon on Saturday after X-rays showed a small hip fracture.

The 22-year-old had presented to Epworth Hospital in a wheelchair on Friday following a fall off his back deck when he tried to perform a trick on his mountain bike. Stephenson is understood to still be in significant pain, but there is no indication surgery will be required.

The news means Stephenson may not suffer any major interruption to his pre-season training schedule, with the Kangaroos not set to return to the track until November 22.

North Melbourne investigated Stephenson’s fall with his full co-operation and established it had come after he had enjoyed drinks at home with housemates.

The club said it was “disappointed with his poor judgment and reckless action”, which had put a “dampener” on a positive first season at the club from the former Magpie.

The No.6 draft pick in 2017, Stephenson played 19 games for the Kangaroos this year and spent significant time through the midfield.