It took all of Xavier Clarke's self-control not to shed tears when discussing Jy Simpkin's achievements as part of the Indigenous All Stars squad.
The pair work together at North Melbourne, where Simpkin is the captain, and Clarke is an assistant coach, but it was donning their All Stars kit after winning Saturday's exhibition match that they came together.
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"I'm trying not to cry," Clarke said.
"I'm proud of him. He's a great leader of our football club at North Melbourne, he's been through a lot himself and even just personally over the last couple of months. But for him to be able to play in this game, and come out and do what he's done, I'm just more proud of him, and just pumped for him to be able to represent his family."
Simpkin was awarded the Polly Farmer Medal for a best-on-ground performance that included a game-high 30 disposals, and 10 clearances.
It was also an emotional one for the Roo, who dedicated his third quarter goal to his Pop, who passed away late last year.
"I can't remember enjoying football that much … it was super exciting, super fun. Even sitting on the benches, watching back, watching the boys run, carry, move the footy was awesome," Simpkin said.
His was a performance of a player reborn, a promising sign for the Roos as the 2025 premiership season bears down.
"I've probably had a couple of down years the last two years personally, but I've put myself in a good spot over the off-season, pre-season, to come out and have a good season. I think today I showed that I can play some good footy and hopefully I can continue that going forward."
It's something that Clarke is expecting to come to fruition once the pair land back at Arden Street.
"You talk about setting up the season, I've got no doubt that he's done that, and I'll be surprised if that doesn't transfer over to North Melbourne," Clarke said.
"It's just ironic that obviously I'm at North and he's our North captain, we're both sitting here together."
For Clarke, it was another impressive entry on his CV as he treads the path to an eventual AFL head coaching position.
"I think it's just an opportunity to continue to grow. We all want to grow, and I'm just grateful for the opportunity to be able to coach the team," Clarke said.
"It's very unique, there's not doubt about that, but it's bigger than the game too … I'll learn a lot from this, there's no doubt about myself, my messaging and how do I handle it? And I'll get feedback, we've had some great people around.
"I want to acknowledge my coaches, an all Indigenous coaching staff with Chance Bateman, Jarrod Lienert, Jason Williams, Roger Hayden. They're on a good journey too."
