Jy Simpkin's Seamless Return to North Melbourne After Failed Trade Bid
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has addressed the situation surrounding former captain Jy Simpkin, confirming the player had no issues returning to the club after an unsuccessful attempt to leave during last year's AFL trade period. Speaking exclusively to 7NEWS, Clarkson highlighted that the on-field challenges prompting Simpkin's move are now resolved, with a positional shift planned for the upcoming season.
Midfield Squeeze and Role Change Struggles
In 2025, Simpkin was largely moved to a half-forward role due to North Melbourne's crowded midfield, which features young talents like Harry Sheezel, George Wardlaw, and Tom Powell, alongside star Luke Davies-Uniacke and experienced recruit Luke Parker. This change proved difficult for Simpkin, who had previously been a centre-square regular and two-time best-and-fairest winner, leading to a dip in form that attracted scrutiny, especially given his captaincy and lucrative contract signed in late 2023.
Clarkson explained, "He had some challenges throughout the course of last year. A lot of those challenges were off-field and away from footy. But together we also had some challenges in terms of us trying to get him to play a high half-forward role, which a lot of clubs do with a quality midfielder, and he just really battled with that role."
Planned Return to Centre Square and Trade Interest
The coach revealed that Simpkin is set to move back into a wing or on-ball role this year, a decision that influenced the club's reluctance to trade him. "That's why we weren't too keen on him wearing different colours next year, because we're pretty certain that his role-change would mean that he would feel like he can make the contribution that he feels like he can make for the side to be a better side," Clarkson said.
Simpkin attracted interest from Collingwood during the trade period, but North Melbourne did not receive a compelling offer, and the Magpies were unwilling to increase their bid, making a trade unrealistic. Following this, Simpkin stepped down as captain, with key forward Nick Larkey taking over the role during the pre-season.
Strong Relationship and Reassurance from Clarkson
Clarkson, who has a storied history with four premierships at Hawthorn but has faced challenges at North Melbourne, described Simpkin's return as effortless. "Because he's such a stalwart of the footy club for a start, captain of your club, he just rolls back in the door really, really easy," he noted.
The veteran coach shared the reassurance he offered Simpkin: "He and I have got a really strong relationship, and I said from the get-go, 'Mate, some of these battles that you're going through, we all go through at different stages. They're going to disappear, mate, and when they do, you're going to have blue and white stripes on, so you're not going anywhere'. Sometimes when you go through tough times, you think, 'If I could just make a couple of changes and the grass is going to be greener on the other side'. He explored that and realised that perhaps the grass might be greener at our footy club."
Simpkin's Personal Challenges and Mental Health
Simpkin himself opened up about the mental toll of the past two years, citing the loss of two family members as a significant factor. In October, he stated, "Over the past 24 months footy has taken a toll on my mental health and in particular the last 12 months, especially with losing two very important loved ones in my life this year." He referenced his grandfather's passing during Christmas 2024 and his nanna's death last season, explaining that game day had become increasingly difficult.
He added, "I haven't really been enjoying my footy as much as I would have liked. I was very open with the club throughout the season on how I was feeling about everything. I love this club and my teammates as much as anything and without going into too much detail, although I never wanted to leave I thought that a change of environment may help spark my love for the game again, especially if it was best for both the club and myself."
With these issues addressed and a renewed focus on his preferred midfield position, Simpkin is poised to contribute significantly to North Melbourne's efforts in the upcoming AFL season, as the club aims to improve upon recent performances under Clarkson's guidance.
