NORTH Melbourne star Harry Sheezel has confirmed his frustrated skipper Jy Simpkin is exploring his trade options.
Simpkin is contracted to the Kangaroos until the end of 2029 but has become increasingly frustrated at his lack of midfield minutes.
Reports emerged this week that Simpkin is open to a move to another club, but Sheezel hopes the 27-year-old stays put.
"It's obviously a tough situation with the club," Sheezel told SEN on Friday.
"Jy has expressed his frustration continuously for a little bit over the last year or so. The club have been really open with that in speaking with him and really trying to work through it together.
"They're both on really good terms, he's on really good terms with me personally and a lot of the players.
"I don't think it's quite what is being reported. Jy hasn't requested a trade or anything, he's just exploring his options, seeing if there's anything out there.
"He and the club are still staying in contact, and I think there's still a lot to play out, but I don't think it's the disaster that's being reported."
Simpkin's lack of midfield minutes has been the major cause of his frustration, with the 173-game veteran spending large parts of this season on the wing.
"I think that's definitely true, and Jy is open in saying that," Sheezel said of Simpkin's frustrations.
"He is an unbelievable player and leader for our club, and he feels like - off the back of winning a couple of best and fairests in the midfield - he hasn't got that opportunity as much as he would have liked.
"I think it's something that the club and him need to work through in the future, because he's such a good player for us but he can play so many roles and he’s so versatile."
Sheezel said North's player group is keen for Simpkin to stay.
"I don't know if I can 100 per cent say if he will stay or go, but I personally would love him to stay," Sheezel said.
"The club 100 per cent want him to stay and want to work through his frustrations with him."
Simpkin is the third club captain to explore the possibility of a trade this season.
West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen is set to join Brisbane as a free agent, while contracted Essendon skipper Zach Merrett is exploring a move to Hawthorn.
