Firstly, the newly anointed sole skipper of North Melbourne was representing the Indigenous All Stars against Fremantle in an exhibition match at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
Despite only spending a couple of days together as a squad prior to the game, the Indigenous All Stars were electric and triumphed 16.12 (108) to 9.11 (65) in front of a crowd 37,865 strong.
The Mooroopna export and proud Yorta Yorta man was part of a stacked All Stars roster that featured some of the best players in the AFL.
Simpkin was still able to elevate himself as a class above and secure the Polly Farmer Medal as the best player for the representative side.
The gun midfielder collected 30 disposals, 10 clearances, eight score involvements and a goal in a delightful display of his talent.
Simpkin hopes it is a sign he can return to his best form on the field in 2025.
"I've probably had a couple of down years the last two years personally, but I've put myself in a good spot over the off-season, pre-season, to come out and have a good season,“ Simpkin said.
“I think today I showed that I can play some good footy and hopefully I can continue that going forward."
The second reason Saturday was an emotionally charged night for Simpkin was due to the fact he lost his Pop in late 2024.
Simpkin kicked a snapping goal deep inside 50 during the third quarter and celebrated by kissing his black armband and raising his thumb to the sky.
The 26-year-old was then seen sitting on the bench in emotional scenes as teammates and coaches wrapped their arms around him.
Simpkin said his celebration was due to a promise he made and kept.
“My Pop passed away just over Christmas, one of the last things he said was when you kick your first goal make sure to give me a thumbs up,” he said.
“It was a pretty special moment.”
Simpkin will play his first game for the year in North Melbourne colours when the club takes on West Coast in a practice match on March 1.
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