After spending the majority of his pre-season working with the midfield, Jy Simpkin was rapt to put his hard work into action in Round 1. 

“It was awesome to get some time on-ball,” Simpkin told North Media. 

“I did a fair bit of work with Bulldog (Jarred Moore - Midfield Coach) and the midfielders so it was pleasing to be up around the ball and get my hands on it.”

The classy mid-forward was one of North’s best performers in the tough loss to the Suns, and was impressive in his midfield role, collecting 22 disposals.

“There was a big emphasis over my pre-season to get a good start, and I was pleased with my game,” he said. 

“There are still some things to work on, but it felt like a decent start to the season.”

The torrential rain made for tough conditions and for a tough recovery, for Simpkin especially, who took a nasty knock to the eye. 

“I’m feeling pretty good, and the eye looks a bit worse than what it actually is,” he said.

“I think everyone is feeling pretty good and we are all ready to go.” 

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Simpkin is relishing the chance to get back out onto familiar turf at Etihad Stadium, and play in somewhat normal conditions. 

“Obviously the weather wasn’t great last weekend, so I’m looking forward to getting out onto a dry Etihad and under the roof,” he said. 

It is no ordinary game on Friday however, and the number 12 is under no illusions to what the Good Friday game means to the club. 

“It’s a massive game for us, and there’s obviously a lot of build up to it,” Simpkin added.

“It’s one of our biggest games outside of finals, and myself and all the players can’t wait to get out there.”