2021 Syd Barker medallist Jy Simpkin has extended his stay at Arden Street until the end of the 2024 season.
The 23-year-old had a career-best campaign this year to take home the club's top gong, averaging strong numbers for disposals, tackles, inside 50s, clearances and contested possessions per game across his 22 appearances for the season.
Simpkin has been a consistent member of North Melbourne's midfield since making his debut in 2017, having now strung together 95 matches to his career tally.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Partnering in an exciting engine room alongside the likes of Ben Cunnington, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Tarryn Thomas, Simpkin led his club for total disposals this season, managing to edge out ball-magnet defenders Aaron Hall and Jack Ziebell.
Speaking to North Media, Simpkin stated his gratitude and excitement in further extending his contract with the 'Shinboner's.
"I’ve been committed to North for a long time and they’ve given a lot to me,” Simpkin said.
“I’ve worked to get into the position where I am today to be at this club. I’m really faithful to the club and I’m really looking forward to the future.
“If we can keep this mix going and keep the energy and vibes around the club … I’ve got no doubt in my mind we’ll be playing September footy quicker than what other people think.”
Simpkin added his delight to have claimed the club's best and fairest honours for the year, an award he will cherish for the rest of his career.
“It’s something you dream of as a kid, growing up to make AFL and play AFL, but to win a best-and-fairest is just a massive honour.
“I see it as a bit of a reward for the hard work over the past few years … I’ve put my head down, bum up and worked as hard as I could.
“Just to think my name’s up there forever with some of the greats of the game, it’s pretty special.”
Simpkin joins a bevy of Kangaroos to sign new deals this year, with Aiden Bonar (2023), Charlie Comben (2023), Luke Davies-Uniacke (2023), Jacob Edwards (2023), Eddie Ford (2024), Kyron Hayden (2022), Nick Larkey (2024), Jack Mahony (2023), Luke McDonald (2026), Matthew McGuinness (2022), Ben McKay (2023), Flynn Perez (2022), Will Phillips (2024), Phoenix Spicer (2023), Tarryn Thomas (2022), Josh Walker (2022), Patrick Walker (2022) and Jack Ziebell (2022) all recommitting for the future.
