North Melbourne captain Jy Simpkin exploring bombshell move away from Kangaroos

The management of North Melbourne captain Jy Simpkin has started sounding out clubs to gauge interest in the contracted midfielder over a potential trade.

Simpkin, 27, has four years to run on his contract at Arden Street but has harboured frustrations throughout 2025 over his role in the Kangaroos’ line-up.

It comes as fellow captains Oscar Allen (West Coast) and Zach Merrett (Essendon) initiate moves away from their current clubs.

A pure midfielder earlier in his career, Simpkin was increasingly used as a winger and half-forward this season as coach Alastair Clarkson put a greater emphasis on youth in the engine room.

Simpkin won praise internally as the campaign progressed over his ability to learn his new role away from his preferred position as an inside midfielder.

He is seen as the only captain in the competition playing outside of his No.1 role.

Despite a lean patch of form through the middle parts of the season, Simpkin ended the year strongly to finish fifth in the club’s best and fairest.

Simpkin was named best on ground in the Indigenous All Stars’ pre-season match against Fremantle in February.

The Kangaroos’ captaincy is set to be a point of contention this off-season with Nick Larkey, Tristan Xerri and Harry Sheezel considered contenders should the club look for a change.