Cunnington tips McDonald, Simpkin to lead Kangas
NORTH Melbourne midfielder Ben Cunnington says teammates Jy Simpkin and Luke McDonald could “perfectly fill” the shoes of Jack Ziebell and step up to lead the Kangaroos in 2023.
The veteran Roo would not rule out putting his hand up for the captaincy following Ziebell’s decision to step down but said he did not think he was “the one” to be tasked with leading the 2022 wooden spooners up the ladder.
Simpkin and McDonald, who last season served as covice-captains to Ziebell, were clear frontrunners for the role, Cunnington said.
“Definitely them two, they probably get the attention and they’re both great leaders in their own right, so whatever way we go the club will be in good hands,” he said. “I don’t think I’m the one to go captain, but we’ve got a few candidates that could definitely fill (Ziebell’s) void perfectly, so we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Cunnington, who is in remission after missing nearly the entire 2022 season as he battled testicular cancer, said he expected to play “some of my best footy” under new coach Alastair Clarkson.
He hinted that he may spend more time forward in 2023 to accommodate the Roos’ emerging midfield group, with Luke Davies-Uniacke and Simpkin set to be joined by pick four George Wardlaw and forgotten 2020 number three pick Will Phillips.
“I still think I’ve got a bit to give in the midfield – I know LDU and Jy had ripper years, but I think I can play alongside them without interrupting their game,” Cunnington said.
“Hopefully, we can work well together and then potentially a bit more forward as well.”
Phillips and Ben McKay had been early pre-season standouts at Arden St, Cunnington said.
“I’m usually pretty biased with my midfielders, but Ben
McKay has really been setting the scene at training, I reckon he’s taken his game to another level, he’s looking good,” he said.
“(Phillips) is probably the next one, especially in the midfield. He’s sharp, he’s on his toes, we’ve had a couple of match sims and he’s definitely leading the way. I remember this time last year he was dominating the praccie games, and then unfortunately had his illness, but he’s definitely back to where he was.”
Cunnington was at Heidelberg Golf Club on Thursday with teammates and coaches for The Longest Day challenge to raise awareness and funds for the Cancer Council.