‘You trying to make me cry?’: Coach beams with pride after North star’s beautiful tribute

Polly Farmer medallist, Jy Simpkin, believes he’s set himself up for a big 2025 with a big pre-season.

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It’s hard to argue with him after the performance he produced to claim best afield for the Indigenous All Stars in their 43-point win over Fremantle in Perth on Saturday.

Simpkin collected 30 possessions in a shortened game, due to hot weather, more than any other player. He also had 10 clearances and kicked a goal.

He was opposed to a Dockers midfield that included Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw.

Simpkin was emotional after kicking his goal, paying tribute to his grandfather, who passed away over Christmas.

But Simpkin hopes Saturday’s performance will help put a disappointing past couple of seasons behind him.

“I probably had a couple of down years the last two years personally, you know, but I’ve put myself in a good spot over the off-season, pre-season, to come out and have a good season,” he said.

“And yeah, I think today I showed that I can play some good footy.

“It was so fun. I can’t remember enjoying football that much.”

All Stars coach, Xavier Clarke, was almost in tears in the post-match press conference, when asked about Simpkin’s efforts.

Clarke is the forward line coach at North Melbourne, where Simpkin is the captain.

He said he was proud of the Kangaroos skipper and also had high hopes for him in 2025.

“Yeah … you trying to make me cry? I’m proud of him,” Clarke said.

“He’s a great leader of our football club at North Melbourne. He’s been through a lot himself and even just personally over the last couple of months.

“But for him to be able to play in this game and come out and did what he’s done, I’m more proud of him, and just pumped for him to be able to represent his family and get the reward.

“And then you talk about setting up the season, I’ve got no doubt that he’s done that. And, you know, I’ll be surprised if that doesn’t transfer it to North Melbourne.”

The All Stars were too quick for an undermanned Fremantle side.

Port Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis was also good in the All Stars midfield, pushing forward and kicking three goals, while Collingwood forward Bobby Hill booted four goals and looks more than ready for the start of the season.

Simpkin said he loved the concept and hoped it would not be another 10 years before the concept was repeated.

“I think everyone loves it,” he said.

“The players love it. Crowd loves it. The footy community loves these events. And I wouldn’t see why it wouldn’t

“We spent the last couple days together. It was super exciting. Super fun.

“The boys know how to find handball receives and get going.

“We knew we wanted to play with speed and play with flare and show our skill.

“And you probably would have seen the connection and bond we had out there.”

— NCA NewsWire