How embracing cultural identity can strengthen, rather than complicate leadership.
Born in Mooroopna, Victoria, Jy Simpkin is a proud Yorta Yorta man who was drafted by North Melbourne with pick 12 in 2016.
He has since built a reputation as one of the competition's most durable and versatile midfielders, winning back-to-back Syd Barker Medals in 2021 and 2022.
Elevated into North Melbourne's leadership group at 21 and appointed vice-captain at 22, Simpkin served as co-captain from 2023 before being named sole captain in 2025, becoming one of only two First Nations captains in the AFL. He was also named best afield for the Indigenous All-Stars in 2025, taking out the Polly Farmer Medal.
Talking Points
Culture
Culture
Recovery
Recovery
Identity
Identity
Football
Football
Leadership
Leadership
