CARLTON defender Kade Simpson will pull on the boots for a remarkable 18th season after inking a new one-year deal with the Club.

The beloved Navy Blue veteran has made the decision to play on in 2020, having showcased yet another season of incredible consistency.

Arriving at the Club via pick No.45 in the 2002 National Draft, Simpson is one of only two players from that year still currently playing at the highest level.

Simpson joined illustrious company in 2018 when he became the fifth player to reach 300 games for the Carlton Football Club. He now sits fourth on the Club’s all-time games played list with 325 appearances.

The 2013 John Nicholls Medallist has been a staple across half back throughout his career, renowned across the competition for his durability, consistency, courage, fearless attack on the ball and his damaging left foot.

Simpson is a valued member of the Blues’ leadership group and this season he has maintained his high standards as an integral part of the side’s defence, averaging 20 disposals, three tackles, six rebound 50s and more than 400 metres gained across 18 games.

The 35-year-old will now look forward to the playing group building on an exciting second half of the 2019 season.

“I love playing for the Carlton Football Club, this place has been a big part of my life for nearly 18 years now and I really feel I still have a lot to offer this group which is why I’ve signed on,” Simpson said.

“The Club is going in the right direction and you just don’t know how quickly things can turn, we have talent that is quickly developing. I want team success and I want to achieve it with this group.”

Carlton General Manager of List Management and Strategy Stephen Silvagni said the Club was excited to see Kade enter his 18th season. 

“Kade is the epitome of the player we want at the Carlton Football Club – he is a heart and soul player who gives his all every time he runs out in the Navy Blue,” Silvagni said.

“He is a terrific role model for this group and an influential leader who continually gets the best out of himself and those around him. We are thrilled Kade is going around again next year.”