- Nathan Buckley targets Jaidyn Stephenson
- Buckley coached Stephenson at Collingwood
- Said Stephenson was inconsistent with his efforts
Footy legend Nathan Buckley has taken a surprising jab at one of his former players during a discussion about North Melbourne’s ongoing struggles this season.
The Kangaroos have had an 0-8 start to the 2024 season – continuing a form that has just 12 wins in the last 92 games.
Buckley questioned the attitude of some players, before turning his attention to Jaidyn Stephenson.
Buckley was unhappy with the lack of support given to young Jackson Archer after he awarded a penalty.
Nathan Buckley dealt surprising blow to former Magpie Jaidyn Stephenson
Buckley gave a harsh assessment of Stephenson (pictured), saying his efforts were inconsistent
The 21-year-old left the pitch shortly after and no one came to speak to him.
“Who is responsible for the spirit of a football club and a team?” Buckley said on Fox Footy.
“I thought he (Jackson Archer) turned around. He doesn’t have the most talent on the football field, but he has a chance.
“In this case, he ended up with the ball in his hands and dropped it and he got a 50-yard penalty. The kid comes to the bench, it’s his turn to turn.
“I was watching it from the commentary box and not a single person on the bench – not a single player, not a single staff member, not a single coach went near him.
“Where was the support? Where was the spirit? “Clarko is in the box, the senior coach is not responsible for all that.
“Every person at a football club can spark spirit, connection and support. This kid (Archer) is already taking it upon himself, he doesn’t need anyone to come and pump him up,” Buckley said.
“He needs someone to say, ‘Hey, next time. “We support you, we trust you and we are with you.
“For North, they need to support a kid like that who is going to put in competitive effort, for example a Jaidyn Stephenson, who when he’s drafted is not consistent with his effort.
“I don’t know what standard you set when you pick players like that.”
Buckley and Stephenson have not been close since the former Collingwood coach showed Stephenson the door in 2020.
Former Magpies coach showed Stephenson the door in 2020
After the move, Stephenson hit Buckley and the Collingwood club over the outlet.
“It all happened very quickly on my end,” Stephenson told Trade Radio.
“I got a call from my manager about a week before the trade window started and he said ‘I think they’re offering you a trade.’ I was shocked.
“I thought I was going to take the lead and called Bucks. He said to look for a trade and they would facilitate it.
“He just said he didn’t know if I allowed myself to open up to the group, which I don’t necessarily agree with, but if that’s how he saw it, that’s him the coach.
“But I’m definitely going to endear myself to my new teammates and coaches if that’s what he thought was my problem.”
