New North Melbourne co-captains Jy Simpkin and Luke McDonald have outlined what type of leaders they want to be as their captaincy journeys begin. 

Two of the club's most important players over the past few years, McDonald and Simpkin were announced as co-captains last Friday after being voted in by teammates and coaches.

Both served as co-vice-captains in 2022 but acknowledged that they're not yet the fully formed leaders they have the capacity to be.

"I think that’s something that’s going to develop over time," McDonald said on what type of captain he'll grow to become.

"I see myself as someone that really tries to bring all the boys together and create that energy within the group, and obviously drive really high standards.

"I'm certainly not a finished product (when it comes to being a leader) and that's why I'm so lucky to be doing it alongside Jy and we're so lucky to have Jack (Ziebell) still at the club to help us out, so we have a lot of great resources around us.

"I just want to keep developing and be the best leader I can be."

"I've got a lot to learn still," Simpkin said after McDonald.

"I think we complement each other really well. As you can tell, Luke can talk underwater at times, which is something I'm not great at all the time.

"I'm a lead by example (captain), drive standards at training and on gameday."

It will be the first time in North Melbourne's history that the club has opted for co-captains, and McDonald says that his connection with Simpkin will hold the team in good stead.

"Ever since we were co-vice-captains, we've always been trying to help drive the group and we've always done it together," McDonald said.

"'Clarko' (senior coach Alastair Clarkson) and 'Toddy' (general manager of football Todd Viney) were really keen for us to do it and I couldn’t think of anyone else I'd want to share this role with.

"We are really good mates, but I think the friendship is built on respect and driving each other and I couldn't be more excited to be in this position."

With an influx of young and experienced playing talent, as well as the fresh perspectives of Clarkson, Brett Ratten, Emma Kearney, Damian Monkhorst and Josh Gibson, Simpkin mentioned the standard at the club has changed as well.

"With Clarko coming on board we've just got so much to learn," the two-time Syd Barker medallist said.

"He's brought a couple of good guys with him in Todd (Viney) and even Liam Shiels coming across from the Hawks as well.

"He's (Clarkson's) really driving the standards, things are definitely on the way up and we're improving each day."