North Melbourne star Jy Simpkin could become the latest AFL captain weighing up his future, with teammate Harry Sheezel admitting the skipper is “exploring his options” after ongoing frustration with his role at the club.

The Kangaroos midfielder, who is contracted until the end of 2029, has grown increasingly discontent with his lack of time in the middle of the ground. Despite being one of North’s most decorated and experienced players, Simpkin has found himself spending long stretches on the wing this season — a positional shift that has not sat well with him after winning multiple best-and-fairest awards as a midfielder.

His uncertainty comes at a time when several AFL captains have been linked with high-profile moves. West Coast’s Oscar Allen is on track to join Brisbane as a free agent, while Essendon’s Zach Merrett — despite being contracted — has been the subject of speculation around a potential switch to Hawthorn. Now, attention is turning to Simpkin, who at just 27 years old, still has prime years ahead of him.

Sheezel Defends His Captain

Speaking on SEN, Sheezel stressed that while Simpkin has made his frustrations clear, the situation is not as dire as reports may suggest.

"It’s obviously a tough situation with the club," Sheezel said. "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."

Importantly, Sheezel clarified that Simpkin has not formally requested a trade.

"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."

Midfield Minutes at the Core of Tension

Simpkin’s frustration stems largely from his reduced midfield role. The veteran of 173 games has built his reputation as a contested ball winner, excelling in the engine room of the Kangaroos’ midfield. But this season, coach Alastair Clarkson has often deployed him on the wing, limiting his opportunities in the position where he feels he can make the greatest impact.

Sheezel confirmed that this has been a sticking point for Simpkin.

"I think that’s definitely true, and Jy is open in saying that," Sheezel said. "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."

For North Melbourne, balancing team development with keeping their captain satisfied has become a delicate challenge. Simpkin’s ability to play multiple roles makes him invaluable, but his preference to return to a midfield-heavy role is clear.

"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," Sheezel added.

Player Group Wants Him to Stay

Despite the speculation, Sheezel emphasized that Simpkin is still held in high regard among teammates and remains a valued leader.

"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," Sheezel said. "The club 100 per cent want him to stay and want to work through his frustrations with him."

The comments reflect a united playing group that is eager to see their captain remain at Arden Street. For a club already enduring a long rebuild, losing Simpkin would be a major blow both on and off the field.

AFL’s Captain Movement Trend

Simpkin’s situation comes during a unique period in the AFL, where the notion of loyalty among club captains is being tested. The possibility of multiple skippers changing clubs in one trade and free agency period is almost unprecedented.

Oscar Allen’s expected move to Brisbane highlights the shifting nature of leadership in modern football. Meanwhile, Zach Merrett’s links to Hawthorn — despite Essendon’s firm stance that he is not available — demonstrate how captains are no longer immune to trade talk.

Should Simpkin also consider a move, it would mark an extraordinary chapter in AFL list management, underscoring how even the most senior leaders are prepared to explore their options in pursuit of role satisfaction and success.

Positive News for West Coast

While speculation surrounds Simpkin and other AFL captains, West Coast have provided their fans with some positive news. Mid-season recruit Tom McCarthy has signed a fresh two-year extension, keeping him at the club until the end of 2028.

McCarthy, who has impressed since joining the Eagles, was rewarded alongside fellow mid-season recruit Jacob Newton, who secured a deal until 2026. In addition, premiership defender Tom Cole extended his stay with West Coast until 2026, giving the club much-needed stability amid their rebuild.

What Lies Ahead for Simpkin?

For now, Simpkin remains a Kangaroo — and Sheezel’s comments suggest both the player and the club are willing to continue conversations. The key question is whether North Melbourne can find a balance that satisfies their captain’s desire for midfield time while still implementing their broader game plan.

If they can, Simpkin’s leadership could remain a central piece of North’s long-term rebuild. But if frustrations persist, the lure of a fresh start elsewhere may prove too strong.

Either way, the next few months loom as critical in shaping the future of both the player and the club.