AFL 2026: Jy Simpkin ‘unlikely’ to retain North Melbourne captaincy after trade attempt

The North Melbourne star is “unlikely” to retain his leadership position after a botched attempt to leave.

Jy Simpkin is “more unlikely than likely” to retain the North Melbourne captaincy after his attempt to leave the club this off season.

Simpkin explored his trade period options and gained interest from Collingwood after discussions around his role in 2026.

He failed to land at another club as the Roos demanded a hefty price for the inside midfielder.

North Melbourne general manager Todd Viney immediately after the trade period said Simpkin had put his captaincy “at jeopardy” by looking elsewhere.

Assistant coach Michael Barlow wasn’t willing to rule Simpkin retaining the captaincy out but echoed Viney’s message.

“It’s not something we have really discussed at length, being November, it has been mentioned in passing,” Barlow said.

“It’s a bit cliche but each year you go through the process of who are your leaders in the playing group and what pops out of that is who is your captain.

“Full transparency, I think after the trade period Todd Viney, footy manager, got up and said it was something we’d have to consider.

Jy Simpkin may have captained his last game for North Melbourne. Picture: Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“It’s more unlikely than likely, that’s on the record, and with Jy he seems really clear-headed with where he’s at right now.

“As Todd said, to take his words, it’s probably more unlikely than likely but that will just give an opportunity to someone else if that is the case.”

Simpkin has played 173 games in blue and white but has collected 45 wins — a win record of just 26 per cent.

Simpkin addressed his attempted move on social media and fronted the playing group in the early stages of pre-season.

Young gun Colby McKercher said the Kangaroos wrapped their arms around Simpkin when he returned to training earlier than required.

“We all have a strong relationship with Jy,” he said.

“We kind of leave that stuff in the past and wrap our arms around him because there was a lot of noise floating around.

“All the boys were really happy to see him and he’s been in quite regularly ticking off some of his training and getting back going.”

Originally published as AFL 2026: Jy Simpkin ‘unlikely’ to retain North Melbourne captaincy after trade attempt