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Trade talk: Sheezel confirms talks of Roos captain's desired move
SEN • September 19th, 2025 5:34 pm
North Melbourne star and vice-captain Harry Sheezel has spoken out on the current situation involving Jy Simpkin.
Earlier this week it was reported that the Kangaroos’ skipper is exploring his options, having felt dissatisfied with his on-field role over the 2025 season.
Simpkin reportedly informed the club of his frustrations regarding his lack of midfield minutes, having featured regularly on the wing and on the forward flank over the duration of North Melbourne's year.
Speaking on the ongoing situation, Sheezel broke down the truths within the initial reports, admitting that the captain is exploring his options despite not formally requesting a move.
“I’ve been in constant conversation with Jy over the last few days and prior to the best and fairest,” Sheezel told SEN Afternoons.
“It’s obviously a tough situation with the club. 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 (also).
“I don’t think it’s quite as 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 is the disaster that’s being reported.”
Sheezel also confirmed that the 27-year-old’s lack of midfield minutes across the season was the driving force for Simpkin’s frustrations, particularly given the success he has had within his personal career playing on the inside.
“I think that’s definitely true, and Jy is open in saying that,” Sheezel admitted.
“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.
“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. He is such a good leader and a selfless leader that he’s kind of copped that a few times.
“He’s definitely expressed his frustrations, but he is an incredible player for us no matter where he plays and I have no doubt he’ll continue to be.”
When questioned on his potential future away from the club, Sheezel stated that while he is unsure as to whether Simpkin would request a move, the club and playing group are eager for their captain to remain put.
“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,” he said.
“The club 100 per cent want him to stay and want to work through his frustrations with him.
“This is a bit hard personally knowing him so well and being so close with him, it’d be hard seeing him playing for another team, and I think even for him it’d be hard for himself playing for another team.”
Simpkin remains under contract with North Melbourne until the end of the 2029 season.
