Opinion 2023 captain

[Chadwiko]

Wrong mail? No presser organised

Or about to be announced in next few hours?

I was told Friday so it would be marquee news for the Saturday paper sports section. But plans may have changed. Dunno. I just pass on what I hear.

 

[Orange Peanut]

A lot of buzz that you're right.

 

[giantroo]

Luke McDonald & Jy Simpkin lead Roos into new era

Luke McDonald and Jy Simpkin will lead North Melbourne into a new era after the duo were named co-captains of the club on Friday.

The pair were voted in by their fellow teammates and coaches, with the news officially announced to the group on Friday morning.

Co-vice-captains in 2022, McDonald and Simpkin will be supported by former captain Jack Ziebell who will remain a member of the player leadership group in 2023.

Earlier this week, Ziebell announced his decision to step down from the captaincy after six seasons and 111 games as skipper.

A father-son selection in the 2013 AFL Draft, McDonald is a lifelong North Melbourne person, after following in his father Donald’s footsteps. McDonald made his debut for the club in Round 1, 2014 and has played 159 games in the royal blue and white over nine seasons.

Simpkin arrived at Arden Street prior to the 2017 season after being selected at pick 12 in the 2016 AFL Draft. Across five seasons and 116 games, the 24-year-old has become a key cog in the Roos’ midfield.

A proud Yorta Yorta man, Simpkin claimed the Syd Barker Medal in 2022 for the second consecutive year.

Existing leadership group members Ben Cunnington and Nick Larkey will continue in their positions in 2023 while Ben McKay joins the leadership group for the first time.

The key defender is the newest inclusion to the contingent after being voted into the position by his teammates. After being selected with pick 21 of the 2015 AFL Draft, the 25-year-old has developed into one of the club’s most important players known for his intercept marking and overall defensive nous.

“The leadership vote was values-based, with a focus on who best represented our Shinboner Spirit,” North Melbourne’s general manager of football Todd Viney said.

“From the vote, we couldn’t split Luke and Jy in terms of the influence they’ve had on the playing group and the club as two of our key leaders.

“Therefore, it was decided that for the first time in the club’s history, the club would opt for a co-captaincy leadership model.

“Luke and Jy are outstanding individuals, well-equipped for this role both from a football and a cultural sense.

“Everyone at the club has great respect for Luke and Jy. They are both equally as passionate about getting the club back to where it needs to be, developing our young talent and fostering a positive club culture.”

2023 leadership group
Luke McDonald (c)
Jy Simpkin (c)
Ben Cunnington
Nick Larkey
Ben McKay
Jack Ziebell

 

[trooroo4life]

Never a fan of the co-captain route, but not the end of the world I suppose. Two great shinboners who I’m sure will do a wonderful job. Congrats to both of them.

 

[4cunningTonneTruck]

Sad no LDU or Will Phillips in the leadership group

 

[Chadwiko]

Shocked at co-captains - first time it's happened under Clarko.

Not unhappy though - they're both deserving.

 

[Billy Not Really]

Ugh. Co-captains? Really?

Just ****ing pick one. So limp wristed and nonsensical. Let someone lead the way.

 

[Chadwiko]

A lot of buzz that you're right.

Yup, there you go.

 

[shintemaster]

Never a fan of the co-captain route, but not the end of the world I suppose. Two great shinboners who I’m sure will do a wonderful job. Congrats to both of them.

I kind of like the one captain approach too but after 3+ years of slop on field I find it hard to care too much about a nothing issue like this. I'll take 24 deputy vice captains with a rotating official fascinator as long as we start pumping some teams on field.

 

[hellas_johnny]

nice to see mckay elevated to the leadership group. Corr also been dropped from it

 

[Psicosis]

 

[The Nostradamus]

needs more LDU

 

[King Corey]

Good oil.

You're still a bad man though.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

Reeks of being unable to decide between candidates.

 

[TREMBANYAMA]

Reeks of being unable to decide between candidates.

Yeah whilst I’m stoked for them and it’s exciting and all… not a big fan of co Captain structure.

 

[giantroo]

 

[justroyal]

I don’t think having either would have appeased the masses. To be fair, based on experience and leadership Mc Donald probably would have edged Jy out. If Jy had a few more years on McDonald, sure it would have been a different story. Sensible decision. Does having young Jy captain a club from 18th really help anyone’s development?

 

[Roo Beauty]

Congrats Jy and LMac. Both very deserving.

 

[Ry009]

Both deserving.

Wouldn't be surprised this being a year or two only and the more suitable leader being sole captain from 2024 onwards.

 

[bennymate]

Two rippers, v confident with them leading the lads to #5

 

[Val Keating]

Not a fan of co captains, but if ever there was a case for it, this is it. Just hope it doesn’t get awkward.

 

[giantroo]

 

[Devington]

I heard the first order of business for the captains was a game of rock-paper-scissors to decide who needs to talk to TT.

Joke aside, congrats to both of them.

 

[blackshadow]

Both deserving choices but I’m not a fan of co-captains. I’d much rather one person be the man.


I hope they do well.

 

[blackshadow]

I heard the first order of business for the captains was a game of rock-paper-scissors to decide who needs to talk to TT.

Joke aside, congrats to both of them.

A TT TT(tag team)?