After becoming just the fifth player in Carlton history to reach the 300 AFL game milestone this season, defender Kade Simpson will play on in 2019 having put pen to paper on a new contract extension.

Heading into a remarkable 17th season at the Blues, Simpson has agreed to terms that will see the beloved veteran take to the field until at least the end of 2019.

The 34-year-old remains one of the competition’s most durable and consistent performers and in June, Simpson joined Carlton legends in Craig Bradley (375), Bruce Doull (356), John Nicholls (328) and Stephen Silvagni (312) in the coveted 300 Club.

Hailing from Emerald in Victoria, Simpson was selected with pick No.45 in the 2002 national draft.

The humble defender won the Club’s best and fairest in 2013, placed second in 2016 and has been a member of the Blues’ leadership group, including holding the vice-captain position for three years.

In 2018, Simpson averaged 26 disposals, 18 kicks (fourth overall in the competition), five rebound 50s (seventh overall in the competition), six marks and six intercept possessions per game.

Simpson said he was proud to be extending his long and distinguished career in the navy blue for a further year.



Kade Simpson joined Carlton's iconic 300 Club in 2018. (Photo: AFL Media)

“I love this football club, and after being here nearly 17 years it’s an extension of my family. I still feel I have plenty to offer the group so I’m rapt to be continuing on for another year,” Simpson said.

“You don’t know how quickly things can turn, and we have a group of promising youngsters coming through who I’ve relished working closely with in a bit of a mentoring capacity.

“I want to be part of sustained team success and help build that with this group, so we’ll hit the upcoming pre-season hard over the summer. It’s up to us as leaders to drive those standards so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Senior coach Brendon Bolton said he was delighted Simpson was extending his impressive career on the eve of his 17th pre-season campaign.

Our oldest player on the ground, still producing moments like these.



Take a bow, Simmo.#AFLBluesDogs #BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/JySG5kW1cK — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) August 19, 2018

“Kade is the epitome of the player we want at the Carlton Football Club – the heart and soul of our team,” Bolton said.

“While he was clearly uncomfortable with the attention, his milestone earlier this year was incredibly special for our football club. His achievement was a reminder of his longevity and his ability to continually perform at the highest level with the professionalism he characteristically displays.

“He is a terrific role model for our group and an influential leader, and it’s so important to have that type of player with our list profile. We often joke that he’s like a fine wine and this year he has proven that again and showing no signs of slowing down. We’re thrilled Kade is continuing on.”