North Melbourne's Harry Sheezel says he understands the position of captain Jy Simpkin in his frustrations of being shafted out of the midfield, and reports that he's exploring his options.
Simpkin is the fourth AFL captain who has been linked with a move away from his club, with Oscar Allen, Zach Merrett and Jack Steele all mentioned throughout 2025.
However, the Kangaroos' skipper, who is contracted until 2029, has flagged his desire to play more on-ball instead of half forward.
"It's obviously a tough situation with the club," Sheezel said on SEN.
"Jy has expressed his frustration continuously for a little bit over the last year or so - the club have been really open with that in speaking with him and really trying to work through it together.
"They're both on really good terms, he's on really good terms with me personally and a lot of the players (also).
"I don't think it's quite what is being reported. Jy hasn't requested a trade or anything; he's just exploring his options, seeing if there's anything out there.
"He and the club are still staying in contact, and I think there's still a lot to play out, but I don't think it's the disaster that's being reported."
Simpkin's frustrations come from his lack of opportunities in the midfield, although he has won two Syd Barker Medals as an on-baller.
"I think that's definitely true, and Jy is open in saying that," Sheezel added.
"He is an unbelievable player and leader for our club, and he feels like, off the back of winning a couple of best and fairests in the midfield, he hasn't got that opportunity as much as he would have liked.
"I think it's something that the club and him need to work through in the future, because he's such a good player for us, but he can play so many roles and he's so versatile. He is such a good leader and a selfless leader that he's kind of copped that a few times.
"He's definitely expressed his frustrations, but he is an incredible player for us no matter where he plays, and I have no doubt he'll continue to be"
However, Sheezel stopped short of confirming Simpkin's future, although he admitted it would be "hard seeing him play for another team".
"I don't know if I can 100 per cent say if he will stay or go, but I personally would love him to stay," the 20-year-old said.
"The club 100 per cent want him to stay and want to work through his frustrations with him.
"This is a bit hard personally knowing him so well and being so close with him, it'd be hard seeing him playing for another team, and I think even for him it'd be hard for himself playing for another team."
