Kane Cornes Delivers Blunt Assessment of Jy Simpkin's AFL Form
Former Port Adelaide star and media commentator Kane Cornes has launched a scathing critique of Jy Simpkin, asserting that the North Melbourne player's self-assessment is vastly overrated compared to his on-field output in the opening rounds of the 2026 AFL season.
Cornes highlighted that Simpkin, who stepped down as Kangaroos captain following a failed trade request last October, has failed to justify his demand for increased midfield minutes with his performances so far.
Simpkin's Trade Request and Subsequent Struggles
Frustrated by limited opportunities in the midfield during the 2025 campaign, Simpkin actively sought a move away from North Melbourne at the end of last year. However, his efforts were thwarted when Collingwood declined to offer more than a second-round draft pick, forcing him to remain at Arden Street under his lucrative contract, which runs until 2029.
This rejection led to Simpkin relinquishing the captaincy, with Nick Larkey taking over the leadership role. Despite finally securing the midfield position he desired, Simpkin's statistics have been disappointing through the first two matches of 2026.
The 28-year-old has averaged merely 20 disposals and 5.5 contested possessions per game, figures that Cornes deems insufficient for a player of his experience and salary.
Cornes Points to Senior Player Letdown in Loss to West Coast
Speaking on The Agenda Setters program, Cornes emphasised that Simpkin's lacklustre contribution was a key factor in North Melbourne's defeat to West Coast on Sunday. He argued that senior players like Simpkin must elevate their game when it matters most.
"One of the reasons they did lose is their senior players didn't stand up like they need to," Cornes stated. "When you're the captain and you put your hand up and say, 'I want out because I'm not getting the midfield minutes', you put a giant target on your back."
Cornes further criticised Simpkin's specific performance against the Eagles, noting he managed only four contested possessions, three score involvements, five turnovers, and one clearance despite nine centre-bounce attendances.
"He's got a nice opinion of himself, Jy, but when the game was on the line against a bunch of kids, once again, their senior players were showing up and it's no wonder there wasn't a whole lot of love for him at the trade table," Cornes added.
Clarkson's Pre-Season Insights on Simpkin's Role Change
Prior to the season, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson addressed Simpkin's situation in an interview with 7NEWS. Clarkson explained that the club had attempted to utilise Simpkin in a high half-forward role last year, but the player struggled to adapt and impact games as effectively as he does in the midfield.
"We think he's got all the attributes to be able to play it really, really well, but he just couldn't do it anywhere near as having the same impact in the middle of the ground," Clarkson said.
Clarkson confirmed that the plan was always to transition Simpkin back to a wing or on-ball role, which influenced the club's decision to retain him despite his trade request. "That's why we weren't too keen on him wearing different colours next year, because we're pretty certain that his role-change would mean that he would feel like he can make the contribution that he feels like he can make for the side to be a better side," he concluded.
As the 2026 season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Simpkin can silence his critics and validate the faith placed in him by both his coach and his own lofty self-expectations.
