Two premierships in two years; it’s an achievement that sits quite well on the CV of Jonathan Simpkin, writes Kane Hunkin
It is a sense of repetition and symmetry Simpkin will love to maintain and equally continue – a medal on the final weekend of VFL football in consecutive years.
However, this time around the circumstances and personnel were a little different.
Blue and white hoops were traded for the brown and gold at the end of last season, and while the hard-running midfielder was an integral members of the Geelong’s 2012 premiership side, this year he was the standout player in the Box Hill’s grand final triumph.
Simpkin cast aside any concerns regarding nerves or indifferent feelings about playing against his old club to clinch the Norm Goss Medal for best on ground.
The 25-year-old played inspired and influential football on the day that matters most, which was also symptomatic of Box Hill as a collective.
The signs were there early, with Simpkin kicking the opening goal from deep in the forward pocket.
His lead from the front attitude was perhaps a catalyst. He was a cool head in a hot environment. It was almost a ‘been there, done that’ persona, which saw the Hawks recruit finish with 26 disposals and two goals for the afternoon.
Simpkin was polished swapping between his midfield and forward roles, and a central figure in the Hawks third-quarter surge.
When his teammates were missing shot after shot in a period of dominance, Simpkin steadied with ball in hand, nailed the goal, and put his side in pole position for the flag.
The Colac export was typically modest after the game, shying away from the honour of the individual accolade.
"I didn't think I'd win it actually, it could've been a handful of guys,” he said.
“Everyone played well and I was lucky enough to get picked. It was a great effort by all the boys and really well deserved."
Simpkin was one of several Hawks to have their game-time monitored in case a call up to Hawthorn’s grand final side arrives later this week.
"I'm not sure, just wait and see. There's a handful of guys who can come up and take a spot next week so we'll just have to wait during the week," he said of his chances of playing on the MCG in the biggest game of the year.
And if Simpkin does earn the call up, two premierships in two years and now a Norm Goss Medal tells you he'll be ready to stand up when he's needed.
Last Modified on 24/09/2013 09:39