Taken at pick 12 in 2016, Simpkin won the Syd Barker Medal in both 2021 and 2022, was appointed co-captain for 2023 and led the side on his own in 2025 before stepping back from the role for 2026. A 183cm midfielder, he wins his own contested ball and has a knack for important goals. He has played 196 AFL games and kicked 87 goals.