Jonathan Simpkin thought his time in the AFL was over when he was cut from Hawthorn’s list at the end of last season.
After playing one game for the premiership winning Hawks in 2015, Simpkin was resigned to returning to local football, before the opportunity arose to join Essendon.
“Being 28 and not getting picked up, I was sort of certain that my career had finished and I’d settled to play a bit of local footy and get back into work,” he said.
“But I’m keen to be here now and really looking forward to it.”
Simpkin joins the Bombers list with 37 AFL games and one premiership medal in his keeping.
He was originally drafted by Sydney but couldn’t force his way in to the side that was coming off the 2005 Grand Final win.
After a return to local football, Simpkin was drafted by Geelong and made his AFL debut at the age of 24.
But with the Cats enjoying one of their best eras, Simpkin’s time at the club came to an end after four games.
It was then on to the Hawks who were about to win the next three premierships.
Simkin played in the first in 2013, but missed out on the last two.
He wants to use the knowledge he's acquired at three of the most successful clubs this century to help Essendon’s developing group.
“I’m just keen to help out the young boys and hopefully I can give them a bit of what I’ve learnt over my journey, and also get out there and play some decent footy,” he said.
“I hope to play a full season of AFL footy – that’s the aim, to get out there and try to cement a spot in the senior side.”
Simpkin averaged 16 possessions a game – including many as the sub – in 2014, his most productive season.
The 28 year old is steadily building up his fitness base in the hope of securing a spot in the Essendon midfield.
“That’s where I’ve spent the last five or six years – sort of an inside/outside mid – hopefully I can find a spot in there and stay there for the rest of the year,” he said.
“The last week or so I’ve been building up the training, getting some speed back in the legs.
“Hopefully by the end of the week I’ll be out there with the boys in full training, and can build a good base heading in to the NAB Challenge.”
