After leading the way on-field through testing times at North Melbourne, Yorta-Yorta star Jy Simpkin has been named co-captain of the club alongside Luke McDonald to replace outgoing skipper Jack Ziebell.

Ziebell announced his decision to hand over the role he'd held since 2017, the same year Simpkin arrived at Arden street with pick 12 in the 2016 national draft.

The incoming pair were named as co-vice captains going into the 2022 season, one that showed limited return on the winners-list, finishing 18th after picking up the wooden spoon in 2021, but glimmers of strong performances from a handful of stars.

Simpkin proved himself a deserved leader, finishing the year with his second consecutive Syd Barker Medal as the Kangaroo's best-and-fairest.

The midfielder averaged 26 touches and 5 clearances across the year, often providing the bulk of his sides penetration into their scoring end.

Among North's long list of great First Nations players, the likes of Krakouer brothers Jim and Phil and Andrew, Byron Pickett, Lindsay Thomas, Daniel Wells, all-time football great Barry Cable and list of others all donning the blue and white stripes, 24-year-old Simpkin will serve as the first Indigenous man to lead the club.

After McDonald's extended period as a key man down back for the embattled side, North's footy department found it impossible to split the two and welcome in a new era at the club.

"The leadership vote was values-based, with a focus on who best represented our Shinboner Spirit," Kangaroos general manager of football Todd Viney said.

"From the vote, we couldn't split Luke and Jy in terms of the influence they've had on the playing group and the club as two of our key leaders.

"Therefore, it was decided that for the first time in the club's history, the club would opt for a co-captaincy leadership model.

"Luke and Jy are outstanding individuals, well-equipped for this role both from a football and a cultural sense.

"Everyone at the club has great respect for Luke and Jy. They are both equally as passionate about getting the club back to where it needs to be, developing our young talent and fostering a positive club culture."

Simpkin has played 116 career games across seven seasons with the Roos.