Jonathan Simpkin Biography

Essendon top-up player Jonathan Simpkin believes he can provide the club's young players with an insight into what it takes to persist and play consistent football at the highest level.

"I've been at Hawthorn and Geelong and clubs like that which have been really strong sides and I've been in and out of the side, and being the sub, so I first want to get in there and earn my own spot," Simpkin told Radio Sport National.

"But at the same time I want to help out these young kids (at Essendon). There's a lot of guys there who are aged between 18 and 21 who haven't played much AFL footy."

Former Hawthorn premiership player Jonathan Simpkin agrees to join Essendon as a top-up player.

"Jonathan still has the hunger to perform at the highest level, he brings premiership experience and will provide us with depth through the midfield," Essendon football manager Rob Kerr said.

"Off the field we identified Jonathan as a person who aligned well with our team vision and culture, and he's a player who we feel can also help develop our young playing list this season."

Jonathan Simpkin's career at Hawthorn is over after he was delisted following three years in brown and gold.

Simpkin made 33 appearances for the Hawks – highlighted by the 2013 Grand Final triumph, when he started as the sub in the 15-point win over Fremantle.

He dominated the VFL this season and won Box Hill's best and fairest award, but couldn't get a look-in at senior level – apart from one appearance starting as the sub in the Hawks' round seven belting of Melbourne.

"Jonathan has achieved a great deal in his three years at the Hawks and departs as a 2013 AFL premiership player, 2013 VFL premiership player, 2013 Norm Goss Medallist (best on ground in the VFL Grand Final) and 2015 Col Austen Trophy winner," Hawks list manager Graham Wright said.

"We thank him for his excellent contribution and wish him well in the future."

After nearly five years on AFL lists, at three different clubs, and having watched on from the stands at both his previous AFL homes as his teammates played off in Grand Finals, it will finally be Jonathan Simpkin's turn when he steps out onto the MCG with the Hawks in the 2013 decider against Fremantle.

"It's been a long journey, but to get this chance to play in a Grand Final definitely makes it worthwhile," Simpkin said at the Grand Final parade on Friday.

"I'm really excited, and keen to get out there tomorrow and have a good crack at it."

Jonathan Simpkin is selected to play in the 2013 Grand Final against Fremantle, replacing injured Hawk Brendan Whitecross.

Simpkin earned his place in the team by producing a best on ground performance for the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL grand final against Geelong at Etihad Stadium last Sunday.

After playing as Hawthorn's substitute for most of the season, Jonathan Simpkin is left out of the Hawks side to get more game time in the VFL.

" 'Joffa' Simpkin going out is unfortunate because he's been really good for us," he said before training at Waverley Park," Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said.

"But we're getting towards the pointy end of the year and Simpkin hasn't had a hell of a lot of game time so it's important for us that he gets it (in the VFL) so we can use him later in the year."

Former Geelong defender Jonathan Simpkin is picked up by Hawthorn.

"He has good speed and endurance, and will add to our midfield depth," Hawks recruiting manager Graham Wright said.

Jonathan Simpkin makes his AFL debut for Geelong at Docklands Stadium with 5 disposals (a kick and 4 handballs) and a tackle in a 20-point win over the Western Bulldogs.