FATHERHOOD and football are going hand-in-hand for Hawthorn midfielder Jonathan Simpkin.
Simpkin and his partner Harriet welcomed son Alfie into the world four weeks ago, and since then he’s been balancing the challenges of being a professional athlete and a dad.
“It’s a bit of a change, getting up during the night and changing nappies and stuff like that, a bit of a shock to the system but I’m starting to get used to it now,” Simpkin told hawthornfc.com.au.
“Alfie’s going really well.
“It’s been good going home to sit on the couch with him every night.
“I’m really enjoying fatherhood – it’s been a big challenge so far.”
The 27-year-old Hawk, who is enjoying his work-life balance at the moment, isn’t one to shy away from a challenge.
He played his one and only AFL game this season in Round 7 against Melbourne, but has been among the Box Hill Hawks’ most consistent performers and is pushing hard to add to his 37 career matches.
Simpkin had 33 disposals in the Hawks’ 39-point win over Richmond on Saturday, and is hopeful if he continues to play consistent football an opportunity in Hawthorn’s senior side will present itself.
“I’d love to be playing senior footy – that’s still my aim,” he said.
“I was a bit slow to get going in the first few games of the season, but I think the last few months I’ve been pretty consistent at VFL level.
“I’m just chipping away and trying to play good, consistent footy in case something opens up, so I‘m ready to go up into the senior side if needed.”
Impacting the scoreboard has been a focus for Simpkin, who has been a prolific ball winner at VFL level this season, while he’s keen to develop his leadership skills among the Hawks’ younger brigade.
“I am one of the older guys in the (Box Hill) side… so I’m trying to show a little bit of leadership around the ground,” he said.
“Things like talking to the guys, making sure they’re in the right positions and sort of helping them through the games a bit.
“It’s something different and something new.
“I’ve seen it as a bit of a challenge to try to be a bit of a leader out there among all the younger guys.”
Box Hill’s win over Richmond on the weekend sees the side sit a game clear in second spot on the ladder, and Simpkin said the drive throughout the club for team success – at both AFL and VFL level – was strong.
“Both sides look like they will be playing – hopefully – deep into finals,” he said.
“At Box Hill level, hopefully I can just keep playing good footy, and if I do happen to get a chance at AFL level I’ll be ready to grab it with both hands.
“If not, we’ve got a good chance to have a crack at going really deep into finals (at Box Hill) and trying to get some team success there.”
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