Carlton’s Warrior | Farewell, ‘Simmo’

Written by Joseph Addamo

In 2002, in the aftermath of the salary cap breach and sanctions, the Carlton Football Club was in turmoil. They’d lost their rights to early draft selections and the club was staring down the barrel of what would become a long and painful rebuild. Their first pick came in the fourth round in the 2002 AFL National Draft with Pick #45. Carlton selected a skinny kid out of the Eastern Ranges Under 18 Football Club named Kade Simpson. No one would have guessed that this kid would go on to forge a 342-game career as a defensive stalwart and the ultimate warrior of the Carlton Football Club across three decades and 18 seasons.

‘Simmo’ debuted in Round 11, 2005, against Geelong. His career got off to a rocky start, where he did not register a single disposal over the course of his first three games. Playing in the 2005 Pre-Season Premiership side, it took Simpson until the second half of that year’s home & away season to begin playing regular football for the club. He gained a Rising Star nomination in Round 18 in a 35-point win over Richmond.

2005 also marked the beginning of an incredible record for ‘Simmo’ in his career. His consistency and durability was highlighted by his 158 consecutive games played that began in his 13th career game in Round 13, 2005 vs. the Western Bulldogs and ended in his 171st game against Collingwood (looking at you, Sharrod Wellingham) in Round 15, 2012. It is ranked as the 13th longest all-time games streak in VFL/AFL history and is a Carlton record.

Largely underrated as one of the league’s pound-for-pound toughest players, Simpson was anointed Vice-Captain of the Blues in 2013 and, in the same season, won the John Nicholls Medal being recognized as Carlton’s Best-and-Fairest. Playing every game (including two finals), he gathered 533 Disposals and kicked 6 Goals, while also averaging 3.3 Rebound 50s and 5.8 Marks playing across the half-back line. It was a crowning moment for a player adored by Carlton fans for his ferocity and complete disregard for his own safety at times if it were for the benefit of the team.

2016 was arguably Simpson’s most complete year individually, as he racked up 27.2 Disposals per game and was nominated in the All-Australian 40-man squad. He also finished second in Carlton’s Best-and-Fairest behind his half-back partner-in-crime, Sam Docherty. Simpson also brought up his 250th game in 2016, and who could forget the day if you’re a Carlton fan. The Blues found themselves at 3 goals down halfway through the final quarter vs. Port Adelaide in Round 8. The late snap at goal from now fellow-retiree Matthew Kreuzer put the Blues in front with minutes to go and they emerged as eventual 2-point victors in a thriller. This game in particular speaks volumes about the impact, influence and legacy that Kade Simpson leaves at the Carlton Football Club. Carlton mustered for their warrior. They “did it for Simmo”.

Source: theage.com.au

The last-surviving 2002 AFL Draftee at 36 years old, Simpson’s durability is further highlighted by the phenomenal individual career records he has set at the Carlton Football Club:

·       3rd for games played (342)

·       2nd for Disposals (7,198 at an average of 21.2 per game)

·       2nd for Kicks (3,885)

·       4th for Handballs (2,464)

·       1st for Marks (1,941)

·       4th for Tackles (890)

·       1st for Rebound 50s (1,013)

·       2nd for Inside 50s (1,049)

·       2nd for Contested Possessions (2,055)

·       1st for Uncontested Possessions (4,895)

·       4th for One Percenters (671)

·       1st for Bounces (630)

·       3rd for Goal Assists (169)

‘Simmo’ will run out with this club for the 342nd and final time this Saturday, Round 18, 2020 vs. the Brisbane Lions. If there was ever a reason to bring the heat against the Lions and fight tooth and nail to the very end, this is it. Send this man off with a win that only he deserves. Send this legend of the Carlton Football Club into his post-footballing life with a win full of the emotion and passion that he showed across 17 years of service, even in the darkest of times for this football club.

Kade Simpson embodies everything it means to be associated with the Carlton Football Club. As a Carlton fan, there are no amount of words to satisfy the utmost respect and praise that should be bestowed on him. He provided hope in times where there was none. He provided passion when the Blue flame that once burned bright had faded. On behalf of Carlton supporters around the country, we at Blue Abroad thank ‘Simmo’ for his contributions and absolute dedication to the Carlton Football Club, and wish him the very best in life after football.

Farewell, ‘Simmo’.