North Melbourne captain Jye Simpkin has expressed his excitement about the upcoming Indigenous All-Stars game, eagerly anticipating the chance to represent his heritage on the field. Speaking from the Kangaroos’ pre-season camp on the Gold Coast, Simpkin shared his aspirations and provided insights into the team’s rigorous preparation for the 2025 AFL season.
“Growing up as a kid, I loved watching these games on TV every year,” Simpkin said. “Since I’ve been in the AFL, we’ve never actually had an Indigenous All-Stars game. Fingers crossed I can get selected and head over there in mid-Feb and play with the rest of my brother boys.”
Simpkin, who has captained the Kangaroos since 2023, highlighted the importance of the pre-season camp in strengthening team bonds and preparing for the challenges ahead. The camp, which began earlier this week, has been a blend of team-building exercises and gruelling training sessions in the sweltering Gold Coast heat.
“We got up here yesterday afternoon. It’s been a good fun couple of days,” Simpkin said. “Yesterday we started off with a bit of a team activity. Mickey Barlow ran a few things, and for anyone who knows Mickey, he comes up with some different stuff. That was a bit of enjoyment.”
Despite the heat, Simpkin was impressed with his teammates’ efforts.
“Today, we’ve had a big session out here on the track and felt every bit of—I don’t know if it’s 28 degrees or what it is—but bloody hell, it’s hot,” he said. “The boys absolutely killed it out here today. The connection and the growth of this group are really starting to glow.”
Simpkin also praised new recruit Caleb Daniel for his immediate impact.
“Caleb Daniel is an absolute star, and I’m so glad we got him. If anyone was watching training today, he was probably best on the whole session,” he said.
As captain, Simpkin values the opportunity to deepen relationships with his teammates during the camp’s 24/7 environment.
“It’s about driving standards and pushing each other to the limit,” he said. “We’re living with each other 24/7 for the next six days, so it’s a great opportunity to get to know one another on a deeper level.”
With the pre-season camp well underway and Simpkin eyeing selection for the Indigenous All-Stars game, the Kangaroos are setting the stage for a determined 2025 AFL campaign.