Displaying the number 36 on his boots, Jy Simpkin paid tribute to Phoenix Spicer during the AFL's Sir Doug Nicholls Round, delivering a crucial performance for North Melbourne.
Simpkin leads Kangaroos to victory
The Indigenous star was North Melbourne's best player in the first half at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, where it appeared Gold Coast would cruise to an easy win. However, Simpkin finished with 29 disposals and kicked a goal as the Kangaroos stormed back to secure a memorable six-point victory.
Simpkin entered the season with significant personal challenges. He lost the captaincy after unsuccessfully seeking a trade during last year's trade period. Then, on January 2, Spicer died from a medical episode. The Indigenous player managed 12 games for North before being delisted in 2023.
Clarkson praises Simpkin's resilience
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson expressed his admiration for Simpkin after the game. "That hit Jy pretty hard, as it did all our footy club. They were blood brothers, those two," Clarkson said of Spicer. "When we weren't going so great in the first half, he was our best player. I was so proud of what he stood up for, because it was the Sir Doug Nicholls Round and for 'Spice', he was wearing his number on his footy boots. It just meant so much to him."
Simpkin has not missed a beat this season despite the circumstances surrounding his failed trade request. Clarkson emphasised that Simpkin remains one of North's most important players. "It goes underestimated a little bit, just the burden you have when you're a leader at the club — your club and team haven't gone so well for a period of time. The personal weight that burden has on any individual — in a lot of instances that's the coach, but in a lot of instances it's the captain."
Clarkson noted that early this season, Simpkin unselfishly took on run-with midfield roles. "When he's able to do really sacrificial roles for his team like that, it gives you a strong indication that they're in boots and all. He's certainly that way," Clarkson said.
While veterans such as Simpkin, Jack Darling, and Caleb Daniel are not officially in the player leadership group, Clarkson said their standing in the team was critical. He also praised Darling, who kicked three goals.
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