North Melbourne Football Club announced a new, one-of-a-kind pre-game tradition. The whole playing squad parades barechested before a smoking altar in the team’s changerooms! This unique ritual, which has been part of the club’s routine for several seasons, was captured on camera before the team’s clash against Hawthorn on Saturday.
During this ceremony one man in particular, captain Jy Simpkin gives an incredibly powerful and motivating speech to his players. As the speech notes, solidarity is key, and one must always respect the club’s jumper. It serves to create a hopeful, optimistic tone for the contest to come. Following Simpkin’s welcome, the athletes huddle together and don their jumpers. Please note that this act, while nearly universal, does not need to be overtly militaristic in nature.
This is a mark of solidarity, respect for the jumper,” former North Melbourne player Nick Dal Santo said. Boy, did he underscore the significance of this tradition. He outlined Jy Simpkin’s important part in the ceremony. Before anyone leaps in unison with their woolizers on, he calls the room to attention.
The topless ritual is much more than a meme. It’s an essential, often touching moment for North Melbourne’s players, shoring up their brotherly bond and shared goal. It’s a weekly ritual spearheaded by the charismatic Simpkin, who has become all but the face of this pre-match custom.
Dal Santo dramatized the ritual’s importance. As he put it, that’s a reflection of the core values of the team, and more importantly, a demonstration of how they intend to represent those values and standards over the course of the next two hours of play.
This pre-match ritual – rarely seen on camera until now – is a testament to the culture and commitment of the team. North Melbourne is all in on this odd practice. It deepens their friendship and hones in their collective will to realize victory on the gridiron.
