Jy Simpkin raised his game in 2020 and narrowly finished second in the Syd Barker Medal while being nominated for the AFL’s 22Under22 side. With Cunnington and Ziebell often absent from the team, Simpkin became North’s midfield general. The new on-field role suited the young midfielder as he averaged career highs in disposals (20.2) and clearances (4.3) while adding a level of consistency to his game never seen before.