North Melbourne forward Nick Larkey is "hopeful" that captain Jy Simpkin remains at Arden Street despite shock links to a move.
In his exit meeting, it is understood that Simpkin, contracted until the end of 2029 expressed his frustrations about his current role after he was largely pushed from the midfield group.
The two-time best and fairest winner has seen fewer midfield minutes over the past 18 months, with the likes of Harry Sheezel, Luke Parker, Tom Powell, George Wardlaw and Colby McKercher staking their claim as first-string onballers.
According to Larkey, the report came as a "shock".
"It came as a bit of a shock, but at the same time, he hasn't requested a trade, and he is still with us," Larkey said at the Walk for Epilepsy' treadmill challenge event, where teams of players, legends and community supporters will clock kilometres to raise funds and awareness for the Epilepsy Foundation's Walk for Epilepsy campaign.
"When you get that far into your career, he just wants to do everything he can to make sure he has the career that he wants, and whatever that looks like for him, and hopefully it pans out for him.
"We obviously hope he stays, because I love him as a mate and a footballer."
Larkey also believed that Simpkin could still lead the Kangaroos despite his frustrations and suspected openness to a move.
"It happens in today's landscape, and seeing it across the league from not just this year, but happened in the past," Larkey added.
"I think if it didn't work out that he got out of the club then, and he comes back, it's just going back to how it was, and he wouldn't change who he is or be salty about it, because I know who he is as a person and as a player. So yeah, it'd be business as usual."
Simpkin was appointed sole captain of North Melbourne at the beginning of 2025, but minds have begun to wander as to who would replace him if he were to depart.
Larkey, who is deemed a leader of the club, said he'd be "happy" to fill the role, but admitted it was a player-voted position.
"It depends on how it all plays out," he said.
"He still is there (at North Melbourne). As I said, I hope he still is, but the way the leadership group is voted is by the players, so that'll come when it does. If it goes that way (Simpkin leaves), I'm more than happy (to stand up).
"But we've got good young leaders who can support as well, whether that's him or someone else."
