Mooroopna product Jy Simpkin named as sole captain of North Melbourne for 2025 AFL season

By Liam Nash

Jan 23, 2025

Mooroopna product Jy Simpkin has taken a big step within North Melbourne’s framework. Photo: AAP Image/Morgan Hancock. Photo by MORGAN HANCOCK

Mooroopna’s Jy Simpkin has beaten the leadership path at North Melbourne for years now and his newest appointment is a sign of his maturity as an AFL footballer.

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Simpkin has held the co-captaincy since being anointed alongside Luke McDonald in 2023, becoming the first duo in the club’s history to share the role.

That won’t be the case in 2025.

Instead, the former Murray Bushranger will serve as the Kangaroos’ sole skipper after McDonald decided to step aside prior to the leadership vote last week.

Simpkin won’t be alone, however, with the club indicating he will be supported by Nick Larkey and Harry Sheezel, who have been named co-vice captains by their peers.

It marks a monumental point in the 26-year-old’s journey since entering the AFL via the 2016 AFL draft at pick 12, with the proud Yorta Yorta man now becoming one of two First Nations captains in the league.

With 152 AFL games under his belt across eight seasons in the royal blue and white, Simpkin will now lead the charge with fellow Goulburn Valley products Matt Whitlock (Shepparton) and Brayden George (Girgarre) under his wing.

North Melbourne general manager of football Todd Viney was elated to announce Simpkin as the Kangaroos’ official captain, while thanking McDonald for his service to the role and welcoming Larkey and Sheezel into their new roles.

“Jy, Nick and Harry are outstanding leaders for our club and received strong support from the players and coaches,” Viney said.

“Jy has taken great strides forward in his leadership capabilities over the last two seasons, supported by Luke McDonald and is well placed to lead as a standalone captain.

“The standard Harry has set since he walked into the club has been quite remarkable for his young age and Nick continues to be a clear standout leader in our group.

“In addition to the three key leadership positions, we are fortunate to have a group of established and emerging leaders to give us additional depth and capabilities in this area.

“Luke has been an exceptional leader for our club.

“His experience has been critical for us in recent years with a relatively young group, his strong connection across the whole club has supported our ‘one club’ ethos, and I know he will continue his leadership on and off the field by supporting Jy, Harry and Nick in their roles.”