Co-captain Jy Simpkin set the pace as North Melbourne’s senior players, those with five or more years of experience, kicked off their AFL
pre-season with the first official session on Thursday. In challenging wet conditions, Simpkin led a group of selected players in the 2km time
trial, finishing ahead of Dylan Stephens and Colby McKercher, who slipped at the finish line and placed third.
Several senior players, including Harry Sheezel and new recruit Luke Parker, opted out of the time trial.
Griffin Logue finished fourth, followed by co-captain Luke McDonald in fifth. No. 2 draft pick Finn O’Sullivan impressed by securing sixth
place, while Darcy Tucker, Bailey Scott, Tom Powell, and Paul Curtis rounded out the top 10. Trade recruits Jack Darling, Caleb Daniel, Jacob
Konstanty, and Parker joined the full squad for Thursday’s session, alongside new draftees O’Sullivan, Matt Whitlock, Luke Urquhart, and
River Stevens.
having no available AFL list spots, a number of VFL-listed players participated, with former Gold Coast midfielder Darcy Macpherson standing out.
McKercher wasn’t the only one to lose his footing at the finish line, with teammate Eddie Ford also slipping. Despite the Kangaroos having no available AFL list spots, a number of VFL-listed players participated, with former Gold Coast midfielder Darcy Macpherson standing out.
Top 10 – 2km Time Trial:
- Jy Simpkin
- Dylan Stephens
- Colby McKercher
- Griffin Logue
- Luke McDonald
- Finn O’Sullivan
- Darcy Tucker
- Bailey Scott
- Tom Powell
- Paul Curtis