One of Mooroopna’s most talented football products has been voted in to lead AFL outfit North Melbourne this year.
Star on-baller Jy Simpkin will co-captain the Kangaroos for the upcoming season alongside defender Luke McDonald.
The news broke on Friday that the duo was announced as the club’s first co-captains following the decision from Jack Ziebell to step down as skipper.
The pair was voted into the leadership positions after a vote was held by its teammates and coaches.
Simpkin, a Yorta Yorta man, has evolved into one of North Melbourne’s most important players since he was drafted to Arden St in 2016.
The 24-year-old has featured 116 times for the Kangaroos across five seasons and has won two club best-and-fairests — with his second Syd Barker Medal arriving last year.
Simpkin has also developed his leadership skills following a stint as North’s vice-captain in 2022.
North Melbourne’s general manager of football Todd Viney said the club was proud to have Simpkin and McDonald announced as co-captains.
“From the vote, we couldn’t split Luke and Jy in terms of the influence they’ve had on the playing group and the club as two of our key leaders,” he said.
“Therefore, it was decided that for the first time in the club’s history, the club would opt for a co-captaincy leadership model.
“Luke and Jy are outstanding individuals, well-equipped for this role both from a football and a cultural sense.
“Everyone at the club has great respect for Luke and Jy. They are both equally as passionate about getting the club back to where it needs to be, developing our young talent and fostering a positive club culture.”