Jy Simpkin: Biography, Age, Height, Position & Salary

What happens when a 182 cm midfielder gets picked 12th in the AFL draft? For North Melbourne, the answer came in the form of Jy Simpkin — a player who turned a modest start into back-to-back best and fairest medals.

Full name: Jy Simpkin ·
Date of birth: 5 March 1998 ·
Age: 26 years old (as of 2024) ·
Height: 182–183 cm ·
Position: Midfielder ·
Club: North Melbourne Football Club (AFL)

The club’s official record provides these key measurements.

What nationality is Jy Simpkin?

Jy Simpkin is Australian, born in Australia and selected by North Melbourne in the 2016 draft. The club’s official history identifies him as a Yorta Yorta man (North Melbourne FC). He represents North Melbourne in the AFL, a professional league based entirely in Australia.

Why this matters: As a Yorta Yorta man, Simpkin is one of over 100 Indigenous players in the AFL, a league that actively celebrates Indigenous culture.

How old is Jy Simpkin?

Simpkin was born on 5 March 1998, making him 26 years old as of the 2024 AFL season (North Melbourne FC). He was 18 when drafted in 2016 and debuted at 19 in 2017.

This timeline places him in a crucial development window.

How tall is Jy Simpkin?

Simpkin is listed at 182–183 cm (6 ft 0 in) and weighs approximately 75 kg (North Melbourne FC). That height is slightly below the average AFL midfielder, but his agility and endurance compensate.

The pattern: shorter midfielders often rely on acceleration and reading the ball rather than physical dominance. Simpkin fits that mould.

What position does Jy Simpkin play?

Simpkin is primarily a midfielder, though he can also rotate forward. The North Melbourne FC profile describes him as an “exciting and versatile midfielder with the ability to kick clutch goals” (North Melbourne FC). Over his career he has kicked 80 goals, well above average for a pure midfielder.

The trade-off: spending time forward reduces centre-bounce attendances, but it adds a scoring threat that opens up the ground for teammates.

What is Jy Simpkin’s salary?

North Melbourne does not publicly disclose player contracts. Estimates from Zero Hanger (unofficial salary tracker) suggest a range between $389,800 and $872,000 per year, depending on incentives and contract year. A higher band of $746,000–$872,000 is also listed.

According to ESPN (sports news outlet), Simpkin signed a multi-year extension in 2023. SouthernWatch reported that the deal reportedly runs through 2029, though this has not been confirmed by the club.

The uncertainty highlights the need for official disclosure.

Eleven seasons of data, one pattern: Simpkin’s games tally has been remarkably consistent since his second year, missing only a handful of matches.

Timeline: Jy Simpkin’s career at a glance

• 5 March 1998: Born in Australia
• 2016: Drafted by North Melbourne with pick 12 (North Melbourne FC)
• 2017: AFL debut (FanFooty)
• 2021: Won first Syd Barker Medal (best and fairest) (AFL.com.au)
• 2022: Won second consecutive Syd Barker Medal (AFL.com.au)
• 2024: Approaching 200 games, continues as co-captain

Confirmed facts vs uncertain areas

What the club and media say

“Jy is an exciting and versatile midfielder with the ability to kick clutch goals.”— North Melbourne FC, official club profile

“Simpkin had played 124 games for North Melbourne at the time of his contract extension.”— ESPN, reporting on his 2023 extension

For North Melbourne, the choice is clear: build the midfield around Jy Simpkin for the next five years, or risk losing the player who has already delivered back-to-back best and fairests. His consistency — never playing fewer than 17 games in a full season since 2018 — makes him the linchpin of the Kangaroos’ rebuild.

Fans interested in the latest developments can explore Jy Simpkins trade rumors for more context on his career trajectory.

Frequently asked questions