AFL 2024: Jy Simpkin praises Luke Davies-Uniacke, Kangaroos draftees
Kangaroos co-captain Jy Simpkin says he is excited to be “one of the old guys” as he talks up his side’s 2023 draftees.
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North Melbourne co-captain Jy Simpkin is buzzing about the talent of the Roos’ new crop of draftees and says the list is probably the fittest he has seen in his time at the club.
Simpkin was not afraid to pump up the tyres of Luke Davies-Uniacke and Harry Sheezel for slashing their 2km times, saying the former was in “unbelievable” shape after an injury-interrupted 2023 season.
The fifth-oldest player on the Kangaroos’ list at just 25, Simpkin said he was excited rather than daunted by his leadership responsibilities after the departures of veteran trio Ben Cunnington, Todd Goldstein and Jack Ziebell.
“You walk into the changeroom and you don’t see (them) anymore … it’s so different, but it’s really exciting and I can’t wait to get into the season,” Simpkin said.
“I’m 25 years old and getting referred to as one of the ‘old guys’, so it’s a bit funny, but I think there’s only five guys older than me.”
He named top five picks Colby McKercher and Zane Duursma along with beanpole defender Wil Dawson as draftees who could have an immediate impact for the Roos next season.
“Kolby, Zane, their skills out on the track … I was like, ‘sh-t, I wasn’t doing that when I first came to the club’,” Simpkin said.
“Big Wil Dawson in a little bit of match play the other day really caught my eye the way he floated across halfback and was hitting kicks up the middle, I was like ‘sh-t, these boys can play.
“Those guys I mentioned, there’s spots for all of them. I think the earlier the better, but they’ll definitely be pushing for those spots come round 1.”
Simpkin said Rising Star winner Sheezel had shed “five or six kilos” and slashed 15 seconds from his 2km time trial along with ballwinner Luke Davies-Uniacke.
“It’s probably the first time we’ve had a top sort of running group of guys who are really pushing each other,” Simpkin said.
“We’ve got Dyl Stephens who’s come in and beaten everyone, run (personal best) times, we’ve got Darcy Tucker who’s absolutely flying.
“Watch out everyone, (Davies-Uniacke) has knocked about 15 seconds off his time trial, he’s looking unbelievable out on the track.”
A fit Davies-Uniacke and George Wardlaw along with the addition of McKercher could push the co-captain out of the Roos’ midfield, but he said he was prepared to play other roles.
“I think you’ve got to be flexible and able to play a lot of different positions. Last season I played a lot more forward time as well, and outside of that midfield group, so that will hold me in good stead going into this season,” Simpkin said.
“I’ll definitely play a little bit of inside midfield but also forward, wing as well, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Originally published as AFL 2024: Jy Simpkin praises Luke Davies-Uniacke, Kangaroos draftees
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