MARC Murphy and Kade Simpson – two of Carlton’s most loyal on-field servants of the 21st century to date – are to be recognised with induction into the Carlton Football Club Hall of Fame.

Murphy and Simpson – both members of Carlton’s six-man 300 Club - become the respective 107th and 108th inductees to the Hall since its establishment in the premiership year of 1987. Collectively they gave the Blues 642 senior matches across 34 seasons, and a more committed pair of players you could not find.

The Spirit of Carlton Hall of Fame event will be held on 6 March at Centrepiece, Melbourne Park, with tickets still available here.

The Hall of Fame recognises individual contributions to the Club’s cause in the form of records, ability, integrity, sportsmanship and character.

Marc Murphy

Marc Murphy’s name was called by Carlton with the first selection of the 2005 AFL National Draft, after the player - to the delight of all connected with the Club - opted against joining Brisbane under the father-son rule.

Equipped with an impeccable football pedigree, Murphy’s father John represented Fitzroy and South Melbourne through 246 senior matches and was a six-time club Best & Fairest winner, while his grandfather Leo turned out in 132 games and was twice club Best & Fairest.

But ‘Murph’ was his own man – and his uncompromising ‘head-over-the-ball’ approach immediately earned him the unconditional respect of his peers, and not surprisingly led to his elevation to the captaincy for what would be a six-year term, spanning from 2013-2018.

Adjudged the AFLPA’s Best First-Year player in 2006, Murphy’s 16 seasons at the highest level would see him secure the John Nicholls Medal in 2011 and ’17, plus All Australian selection and AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award in 2011 – his exalted place in the Carlton pantheon is well and truly assured. 

Kade Simpson

A gifted, heroic Carlton contributor, Simpson’s early years at Princes Park were overshadowed by some of the most tumultuous events in club history. But through it all, he emerged as both an elite midfielder and a capable on-field leader.

Simpson was drafted as a fourth-round selection (No.45 overall) in the 2002 AFL National Draft.

Simpson would emerge a durable, pint-sized warrior through 342 senior appearances from 2003-2020 – and with John Nicholls, Bruce Doull, Craig Bradley, Stephen Silvagni and Marc Murphy a feted member of Carlton’s 300-club.

In giving the game away after 18 seasons at the highest level, ‘Simmo’ could safely say that he had wrung the cloth dry – an inspired and much-loved Best & Fairest winner who wore as a badge the No.6 made famous by Chitty, Henfry and Crane before him.

Carlton Football Club President Rob Priestley noted the immense legacy both Murphy and Simpson have left on the Club.

“Kade and Marc’s careers are carved into the Navy-Blue history books and their names continue to be held in such high esteem amongst every Carlton person,” Priestley said. 

“It gives me immense pride to be able to properly recognise Kade and Marc’s contribution to our club across their joint 642 games. Their individual stories of resilience and determination will continue to be a source of inspiration for our younger generation and our current-day players. 

“Marc and the Murphy family have been stalwarts of our game, and their legacy will remain for generations to come. For Marc to reach the milestone of 300 games, something only achieved by five other Carlton players, speaks volumes to his unwavering dedication, both on and off the field. Marc led as captain for six years, with unmatched dignity and a relentless drive to lift those around him. He helped build and shape a better culture within Carlton, inspiring others to pursue excellence and commit themselves to being their very best. 

“Kade bled Navy Blue, he was the epitome of loyalty, a true Carlton player through and through. His ability to maintain excellence at the highest level, year after year, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to both Carlton and the AFL game. He was a fierce competitor, a warrior on the field, who embodied bravery and selflessness, often putting his body on the line. He let his actions on-field do the talking.  

“The Carlton Football Club has an incredible history, and we all understand the importance of honouring and sharing it. To be able to recognise Marc and Kade’s respective journeys and to welcome them both into the Hall of Fame is a significant moment and one that we look forward to celebrating together as one club on the night.”

Marc Murphy and Kade Simpson will be formally inducted at the much-anticipated Spirit of Carlton Hall of Fame ceremony at the Grand Hall, Centrepiece on the evening of Thursday 6 March.