Collingwood leader Jeremy Howe counselled younger teammate Jaidyn Stephenson and advised him to seek help from football boss Geoff Walsh after details of Stephenson’s betting on his own club and teammates came to light.

It was in the rooms at the MCG after the Magpies had just beaten St Kilda by 41 points in round nine – a game in which Stephenson kicked three goals – that the 20-year-old made a passing comment to Howe that one of their teammates had cost him a multi.

Stephenson was remarking on the fact one of their teammates hadn’t delivered the number of disposals that he had earlier bet on.

Moment of truth: Jaidyn Stephenson. Credit:Joe Armao

The initial comment was lost in the jubilation of the victory, but Howe – who is in Collingwood’s leadership group - followed up with his younger teammate and advised him to seek counsel from footy boss Walsh straight away.