North Melbourne co-captain Jy Simpkin signs new five-year contract

North Melbourne has won just 10 games since the start of 2020, but their captain is refusing to bail out.

Consecutive wooden spoon seasons have failed to deter North Melbourne co-captain Jy Simpkin from making a long-term commitment to the club and he’s instead inked a five-year contract extension.

The two-time best and fairest was set to come out of contract and enter free agency next year, but the 25-year-old recommitted to the club at least the end of 2029 in a strong show of faith.

North Melbourne has won just 10 games since the start of 2020 and is on an eight-game losing streak this season after opening the year with consecutive wins under new coach Alastair Clarkson, who has stepped away from the game amid the ongoing racism investigation

But Simpkin said he had no hesitation in remaining at the club and joins young stars Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw in committing their futures to the club.

“I’ve been here for six or seven years now, and I love this place. I love the club, my teammates and the coaching staff,” he said.

“I have a lot of respect for everyone at the club, so when my management and the club came together to talk about a long-term deal, it was a no-brainer.

“I love these boys and I love the direction we are going in.”

He's a Shinboner for life.@JySimpkin has signed a fresh contract to keep him a Kangaroo for a further five seasons 🥰#Kangas

— North Melbourne FC (@NMFCOfficial) May 26, 2023

Simpkin was promoted to co-captain alongside Luke McDonald at the beginning of 2023 after long-serving skipper Jack Ziebell stepped down, making him the first Indigenous captain in the club’s history.

North Melbourne head of football Brady Rawlings was delighted in the show of faith from Simpkin also.

“We are absolutely rapt to have Jy commit his future to North Melbourne,” Rawlings said.

“Jy is highly regarded both on and off the field by the whole club, and his decision to sign on for a further five years despite the lure of free agency is a great show of confidence in where we are headed.

“We look forward to watching him continue to be a fantastic player and leader for our club in the years to come.”

Originally published as North Melbourne co-captain Jy Simpkin signs new five-year contract