North Melbourne captain Jy Simpkin was among the Kangaroos to revisit his roots as the club held its annual pre-season AFL Community Camp.

The Roos visited Shepparton, including Simpkin's old primary school at Mooroopna, while also spending time with schools and communities in the Wyndham region in Melbourne's west.

Simpkin, who wasted no time picking himself out in old class photos, said it was a privilege to give back to the local community in his hometown.

"Coming back here brings back so many memories," he said. 

"I remember when I was young we had some players come out to the school. It's such a big thing for kids in the country who don't get to see players very often."

Western suburbs product Eddie Ford took part in a footy clinic in Hoppers Crossing, not far from where he grew up and played his junior footy.

"I grew up in Werribee South … but went to school and, and played a lot of my footy in Point Cook," Ford said.

"So I started my journey there, did a bit of Auskick, played a bit of footy here as well in Hoppers Crossing, did some damage, so it was good fun."

Forward Nick Larkey hit the classroom with primary school students in Werribee as the Kangaroos launched their GOAL! program, which offers free curriculum-based lessons to combine STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and sports in schools.

Ruck Tristan Xerri welcomed the opportunity to spend time with school kids and locals in the Wyndham area.

"It was lovely to get to meet all the kids today and put a smile on their face," Xerri said. 

"I grew up in the western suburbs, not too far from where we are today.

"It's great to try to grow the game a bit more in the Wyndham community, which we've been working on for a few years now, and see a smile on all the kids' faces."