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Kade Simpson
Kade Simpson
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Kade Simpson (born 5 May 1984) is a former Australian rules footballer who played his entire career with the Carlton Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Key Information

Simpson predominantly played as a half-back flanker, while also spending time as a midfielder.[1][2]

AFL playing career

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He grew up a 'left footer' in Emerald, Victoria.[3]

Carlton

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Early career (2002-2005)

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Simpson was drafted in the fourth round of the 2002 AFL draft. He was Carlton's first pick in that year's draft, after the club was stripped of its higher selections as punishment for salary cap infringements. Carlton were fortunate to have picked Simpson given his skills were immediately apparent, but he did not have enough weight to play regular seniors in his first two seasons; even now, his weight is a relatively light 79 kg. He played primarily for Carlton's VFL-affiliate, the Northern Bullants, in his first two years, and on his few selections in the Carlton senior team, received so little ground time that he did not have a disposal in his first three games.

Simpson first broke into the senior team as a regular in the latter half of 2005. Still eligible for the AFL Rising Star in his third season on the list, Simpson was nominated in Round 18. He played nine of the last 10 games of the season, missing one game through injury, and his pace and skill began to attract attention.

Leadership Group and John Nicholls Medal (2006-2018)

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Simpson took a big step up in the 2006 season, being elevated to the leadership group and running 4th in the best and fairest. He played every game, mainly as a running link-man from half-back. He finished in the top 5 in the AFL for running bounces, which was typical of his rebound play, averaged 19 disposals with a maximum of 30, and eleven goals. This style of running play prompted Kevin Sheedy to select Simpson for the Australian International Rules team for the 2006 tour of Ireland, and Mick Malthouse to do likewise for in 2008, a series in which he won the Jim Stynes Medal.

By 2007, Simpson had emerged as one of the leaders of the club. He captained the Blues between Rounds 14 and 19 during 2007, in the absence of regular captain and vice-captain Lance Whitnall and Nick Stevens, and has been vice-captain to Chris Judd since Stevens' retirement.

In 2010, Kade Simpson had arguably his best season for the Carlton Football Club, polling nine Brownlow votes (Second for Carlton, behind medal-winner Chris Judd). The most noticeable feature of his performances during the season was his tackling ability, because on 12 occasions he laid five or more tackles.

Simpson played 158 consecutive games from Round 15, 2005, until Round 15, 2012, before missing a match with a broken jaw.[4] He was, at the time, considered the club record holder for most consecutive games,[5] but in December 2012, the AFL amended the interpretation of this record such that Bruce Doull, who missed two club games during his streak due to playing in interstate matches on the same day, assumed the club record with 162 consecutive games.[6]

In the 2013 season, Simpson won the John Nicholls medal, Carltons best and fairest award. Kade had 533 disposals that season, after an outstanding year playing at half-back flank position under new coach Mick Malthouse.

In the 2016 season, Simpson had an outstanding year averaging 27.2 disposals per game. He was nominated in the All Australian squad of 40 but was not named in the final 22. He finished second in Carlton's best and fairest award behind defender Sam Docherty.

300 gamer (2018-2020)

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On 30 June 2018 Simpson became the fifth Carlton player to reach the 300 game milestone.[7]

In 2019, Simpson signed a one-year contract extension to play on in 2020. With the retirement of Daniel Wells at the end of the 2019 season,[8] Simpson became the last remaining senior player from the 2002 AFL draft.[9] He also decided to step down from the club's leadership group that year.[10]

He retired at the end of the 2020 season, finishing with 342 senior games – the third most of any Carlton player in the club's history.[11] He played 342 games across 18 seasons from 2003 to 2020, including eleven seasons in which he did not miss a game. Playing during an overall unsuccessful period in Carlton's history, he played in 215 losses, the most of any player in VFL/AFL history.[12]

Coaching career

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Carlton Football Club AFLW assistant coach (2021-2022)

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Simpson was appointed assistant coach of Carlton's AFLW team in November 2020.[13] but left after the 2022 season.

Hawthorn Football Club assistant coach (2023-present)

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In November 2022, Simpson joined Hawthorn as an assistant coach under senior coach Sam Mitchell.[14][15]

Statistics

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Statistics are correct to the end of the 2020 season[16]
Legend
  G  
Goals
  K  
Kicks
  D  
Disposals 
  T  
Tackles
  B  
Behinds 
  H  
Handballs 
  M  
Marks
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game) Votes
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2003 Carlton 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0
2004 Carlton 6 3 1 1 7 5 12 4 5 0.3 0.3 2.3 1.7 4.0 1.3 1.7 0
2005 Carlton 6 15 9 10 118 56 174 57 26 0.6 0.7 7.9 3.7 11.6 3.8 1.7 0
2006 Carlton 6 22 11 8 296 124 420 147 53 0.5 0.4 13.5 5.6 19.1 6.7 2.4 2
2007 Carlton 6 22 17 12 281 130 411 103 64 0.8 0.5 12.8 5.9 18.7 4.7 2.9 3
2008 Carlton 6 22 9 14 242 170 412 137 61 0.4 0.6 11.0 7.7 18.7 6.2 2.8 0
2009 Carlton 6 23 15 12 287 202 489 129 82 0.7 0.5 12.5 8.8 21.3 5.6 3.6 5
2010 Carlton 6 23 17 19 328 210 538 142 93 0.7 0.8 14.3 9.1 23.4 6.2 4.0 9
2011 Carlton 6 24 17 18 361 175 536 147 79 0.7 0.8 15.0 7.3 22.3 6.1 3.3 5
2012 Carlton 6 19 15 13 267 159 426 106 62 0.8 0.7 14.1 8.4 22.4 5.6 3.3 6
2013 Carlton 6 24 6 9 350 183 533 140 51 0.3 0.4 14.6 7.6 22.2 5.8 2.1 9
2014 Carlton 6 22 4 6 349 171 520 139 52 0.2 0.3 15.9 7.8 23.6 6.3 2.4 8
2015 Carlton 6 20 3 1 285 175 460 118 42 0.2 0.1 14.3 8.8 23.0 5.9 2.1 1
2016 Carlton 6 22 3 0 383 214 597 152 54 0.1 0.0 17.4 9.7 27.1 6.9 2.5 3
2017 Carlton 6 22 4 3 377 152 529 162 59 0.2 0.1 17.1 6.9 24.0 7.4 2.7 8
2018 Carlton 6 21 4 0 369 180 549 115 42 0.2 0.0 17.6 8.6 26.1 5.5 2.0 6
2019 Carlton 6 18 3 0 265 101 366 85 46 0.2 0.0 14.7 5.6 20.3 4.7 2.6 2
2020[a] Carlton 6 17 1 0 201 63 264 66 19 0.1 0.0 11.8 3.7 15.5 3.9 1.1 0
Career 342 139 126 4766 2470 7236 1949 893 0.4 0.4 13.9 7.2 21.2 5.7 2.6 67

Notes

  1. ^ The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Honours and achievements

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Team

Individual

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kade Simpson (born 5 May 1984) is an Australian former professional Australian rules footballer and current coach, renowned for his 18-season tenure as a defender with the in the Australian Football League (AFL), where he played 342 games and amassed numerous club records. Standing at 183 cm and weighing 75 kg, Simpson was selected by Carlton with pick 45 in the 2002 AFL National Draft from the in the TAC Cup, debuting in round 11 of the 2003 season against . Simpson's playing career was defined by his durability, versatility across half-back flank and wing positions, and leadership, culminating in his retirement at the end of the 2020 season as one of Carlton's most capped and decorated players. He holds Carlton records for most career marks (1,949), bounces (634), rebound 50s (1,031), and uncontested possessions (4,916), while ranking third all-time in games played for the club behind only and . Key achievements include winning the as Carlton's in 2013, serving as vice-captain in 2013–2014 and 2016, earning nomination in 2005, and contributing to pre-season premierships in 2005 and 2007. Internationally, he received the Medal in 2008 for his performance in the against Ireland. Despite enduring 215 losses—more than any other player in VFL/AFL history—Simpson's resilience and earned him widespread , including induction into the Hall of Fame in 2025. Transitioning to coaching, Simpson began with Carlton's AFL Women's (AFLW) program, serving as forwards coach in 2021 and head of development in 2022, before joining the as backline coach ahead of the 2023 season, a role he continues to hold as of 2025. In this capacity, he oversees Hawthorn's defensive strategies, blending veteran leadership with emerging talent development.

Early life and junior career

Early life

Kade Simpson was born on 5 May 1984 in Emerald, Victoria, . A left-footed player known for his pace and skill, Simpson grew up in this semi-rural town in Melbourne's outer east, where the provided a scenic backdrop to his formative years. He was raised by his parents, and Simpson, alongside his sister Carlie, in a supportive family environment that emphasized resilience and dedication. The family maintained a close bond, with his parents frequently attending his games throughout his career, reflecting their strong influence on his development. Simpson's initial exposure to Australian rules football occurred through the local Emerald Football Club, where he began playing as a junior in the club's competitive yet community-oriented environment. This early involvement at school and club level in Emerald laid the foundation for his passion for the sport before he entered more structured junior pathways.

Junior career

Simpson began his organised football journey in the rural Yarra Valley, playing for the Emerald Football Club in the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League, where his tough, resilient style was shaped by the demanding country conditions. In 2001 and 2002, he progressed to the TAC Cup under-18 competition, representing the as a bottom-age player in his debut year before becoming a key the following season. During the 2002 season, Simpson featured in 18 games for the Ranges, showcasing his speed and on the despite his slight frame of 180 cm and 68 kg, which drew attention from recruiters. His consistent performances earned him selection in the 2002 TAC Cup Team of the Year, highlighting his potential as a durable outside runner. At the conclusion of the 2002 season, Simpson was drafted by the with their first pick, number 45 overall, in the AFL National Draft, marking the end of his junior pathway and the start of his professional career.

AFL playing career

Early years at Carlton (2003–2007)

Kade Simpson made his AFL debut for Carlton in Round 11 of the 2003 season against at the age of 19 years and 34 days, having been selected with pick 45 in the national draft from the in the TAC Cup. As a lightly built weighing around 70 kg, Simpson faced significant physical challenges adapting to the senior level, often struggling for possessions in his initial appearances; his first three games yielded zero disposals in at least one outing, earning him the nickname "doughnuts" from teammates. He played just three games that year for no goals, primarily spending time developing with Carlton's VFL affiliate, the Northern Bullants, amid the club's ongoing rebuild following breaches and a finish in 2002. Simpson's opportunities remained limited in 2004, with only three senior games and one goal, as he continued to build strength and adjust to the demands of AFL football during Carlton's middling 12th-place finish. By 2005, however, he showed marked improvement, playing 15 games and kicking nine goals, often rotating through the forward line and midfield; this included his nomination. His breakthrough came from Round 15 onward, initiating a club-record streak of 158 consecutive games that underscored his growing reliability, despite Carlton's struggles, including another and the challenges of integrating young talent under coach Denis Pagan. From 2006 to 2007, Simpson solidified his role as a versatile half-back flanker, contributing to Carlton's defensive structure with his speed and endurance. He played all 22 games in for 11 goals and again in for 17 goals, averaging around 19 disposals per game by his fifth season, while the team endured back-to-back wooden spoons in and a 15th-place finish in amid ongoing list rebuild efforts. In May 2007, after 48 career games, Simpson signed a two-year contract extension, signaling the club's confidence in his development as a core player during a turbulent period.

Mid-career leadership and peak performance (2008–2017)

Following his early consistency at Carlton, Simpson's reliability positioned him for greater responsibilities within the club. In 2008, he was appointed to the Blues' group by senior coach , joining five other players to help guide the team during a rebuilding phase. By 2007, Simpson had already demonstrated on-field by being elected for a match against , a role that foreshadowed his growing influence. He served as from 2013 to 2014 and again in 2016, often acting as on-field leader when captain Marc Murphy was unavailable, including during key games where he assumed tactical command from half-back. Simpson's mid-career years were marked by several standout individual honors that underscored his peak performance. In 2008, he earned the Jim Stynes Medal as the best Australian player in the International Rules Series against Ireland, contributing significantly to Australia's victory in the two-test series. His form culminated in 2013 when he won the John Nicholls Medal as Carlton's best-and-fairest player, polling the highest votes after averaging 22.2 disposals per game and leading the team in total disposals with 533 for the season. Simpson's excellence continued into 2016, when he was selected in the AFL's 40-man All-Australian squad for his consistent rebounding from defense, ranking first at Carlton for kicks (383) and second for marks (152) across 22 games. During this period, Simpson's statistical output highlighted his ball-winning ability and defensive poise, with averages of 22-27 disposals, 6-7 , and 2-3 tackles per game in seasons like and 2016. These contributions were pivotal in Carlton's campaigns, including the 2011 elimination final loss to Essendon and the preliminary final defeat to , where he averaged over 25 disposals and provided resolute leadership from the backline to help the Blues reach the amid a competitive era.

Final seasons and retirement (2018–2020)

In 2018, Simpson reached a significant career milestone by playing his 300th AFL game for Carlton against on 30 June at the . Despite Carlton's 21-point loss, Simpson delivered a standout performance with 29 disposals and seven marks, showcasing the durability that defined his career. The match featured pre-game celebrations honoring his longevity, with Simpson reflecting on the "hard way" to the milestone amid Carlton's challenging seasons, emphasizing his role as a consistent half-back who had adapted from earlier positions to maintain elite output. As the fifth Blue to achieve 300 games, the occasion highlighted his resilience, having played through multiple rebuilds without missing more than a handful of games in his tenure. Entering his later seasons, Simpson continued to contribute reliably in and , playing all 18 games in and all 17 in the shortened season, bringing his career total to 342 games and 139 goals. At age 35 in —the league's second-oldest player—he averaged over 20 disposals per game for the 11th consecutive season, primarily from half-back, while embracing a mentoring role with Carlton's emerging talent. Simpson described feeling like a "proud big brother" to the younger players, guiding them during a season where Carlton showed improvement with six wins. In , despite the disruptions of the affected schedule, he maintained strong form with averages of 15.5 disposals and focused on leadership, playing reduced minutes at times to preserve his body while providing on-field stability. Simpson announced his retirement on 14 September 2020, informing his teammates prior to his final game and opting to end his 18-season career at the conclusion of the year. He finished third on Carlton's all-time games list, behind only (375) and (356). In his final match against on 19 September, Simpson kicked a goal in the third quarter, capping an emotional farewell that drew widespread tributes for his courage, loyalty, and mentorship. Teammate called him "my favourite teammate," praising his selflessness, while club figures lauded his role in sustaining Carlton's culture through adversity. The retirement marked the end of an era, with Simpson's consistency—evident in just 14 games missed across 18 years—cementing his legacy as one of the Blues' most enduring figures.

Coaching career

Assistant coach at Carlton AFLW (2021–2022)

Following his retirement from playing, Kade Simpson was appointed as an assistant coach for Carlton's AFLW team in November 2020, ahead of the 2021 season. In this role, he served as the forwards coach under Daniel Harford, focusing on mentoring the forward line and contributing to overall player development within the program. Simpson's experience as a long-time Carlton defender informed his coaching approach, emphasizing structured development and tactical growth for emerging talent. During the 2021 AFLW season, Simpson's work helped Carlton finish seventh on the ladder with five wins and four losses, marking an improvement in team cohesion and forward-line output, including standout performances from key players like Darcy Vescio, who won the club's award. In 2022, he balanced his AFLW duties with an additional role coaching the Football Development Program at the Carlton College of Sport, where he played a leading part in nurturing academy players and transitioning them into the senior setup. By mid-2022, Simpson had been promoted to Head of AFLW Development, overseeing broader program enhancements amid a challenging season where Carlton recorded two wins, two draws, and six losses, finishing 11th. Simpson departed the Carlton AFLW program in November 2022 after a two-year stint in the senior coaching group, transitioning to an assistant coaching position at Hawthorn to further his career in the men's AFL. His time at Carlton was noted for strengthening the developmental pathways, laying foundations for future team progress.

Assistant coach at Hawthorn (2023–present)

In November 2022, Kade Simpson was appointed as Hawthorn's backline coach ahead of the , joining senior coach Sam Mitchell's staff after three years in Carlton's AFLW coaching department. This role marked Simpson's transition to full-time men's AFL coaching, where he focused on developing the Hawks' defensive structures and player versatility. As backline coach, Simpson emphasized defensive strategies centered on strong contest work, intercept marking, and transitioning play off half-back to support Hawthorn's offensive transitions. His approach contributed to improved backline cohesion, particularly in adapting to opposition tactics and fostering multi-positional roles for defenders. In the mid-season review, Simpson highlighted the progress of the defensive group in building resilience amid injuries and positional experiments. Simpson's impact was evident in player developments during the 2025 season, where the backline showed late surges in performance despite early disruptions from injuries. For instance, delivered exceptional running off half-back after Round 6, while Jack Scrimshaw excelled with intercept marks in the final seven to eight games, bolstering the team's finals push. regained consistency post-injury, enhancing attacking contributions from defense, as Simpson noted in his end-of-season review: "He makes all his teammates better players." Simpson continued in his role through the 2025 AFL season, leading post-season team reviews and contributing to Hawthorn's strategic planning. In July 2025, he paid tribute to retiring former Carlton teammate during his farewell game against Hawthorn, joining captain to chair Docherty off the field in an emotional gesture that highlighted Simpson's enduring connections in the AFL community.

Statistics and accolades

Career statistics

Kade Simpson played 342 games and kicked 139 goals over his AFL career with Carlton from 2003 to 2020. His career aggregates include 7,238 disposals, 1,949 marks, and 893 tackles.
YearGamesGoalsDisposalsMarksTackles
200330003
2004311245
20051591745726
2006221142014753
2007221741110364
200822941213761
2009231548912982
2010231753814293
2011241753614779
2012191542610662
201324653314051
201422452013952
201520346011842
201622359715254
201722452916259
201821454911542
20191833688546
20201712646619
Simpson holds the Carlton record for most consecutive games played, with a streak of 158 matches from round 15 of 2005 to round 15 of 2012.

Individual honours and achievements

Simpson's individual accolades at Carlton highlight his consistency and leadership, culminating in winning the as the club's player in 2013, after polling 92 votes ahead of Andrew Walker (77 votes). He achieved multiple top finishes in the count, placing runner-up in 2016 and 2018, and third in 2014, for a total of four top-three results that underscored his sustained excellence across half-back. On the representative front, Simpson earned the Medal as the best Australian player in the 2008 International Rules Series against , contributing to Australia's series victory. He was also named in the 2016 All-Australian squad, recognizing his standout defensive performances that season, including strong rebounding from the backline. Additionally, Simpson received AFL life membership in 2018, awarded automatically for reaching 300 games, joining an elite group of players honored for their long-term contributions to the league. Following his retirement, Simpson was inducted into the Carlton Hall of Fame in March 2025, with the announcement made in February 2025, celebrating his loyalty and impact over 18 seasons. Tributes during the ceremony came from former coach and teammate , who praised Simpson's bravery, leadership, and role as a club stalwart. Simpson's team contributions are epitomized by his 342 games for Carlton, placing him third on the club's all-time list behind only (375) and John Nicholls (328), a record that reflects his enduring commitment during periods of team struggle.

References

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