PART of the fabric of Ikon Park.

For veteran Kade Simpson, the decision to sign on at Carlton for another year was a straightforward one. 

The most experienced performer on the list, the 325-gamer will resume his post in the Blues’ backline in 2020 after signing a contract extension for an 18th season.

“It’s very exciting to have signed on for another year,” Simpson said.  

“I’m just excited to see what this group can do and rapt that I could be part of it.”

Eager to remain a part of the Blues’ developing list, the in-form veteran spoke on the long-term goals of the playing group.

“Obviously a few things go into the decision-making process about whether I play on: my form and how my body is, mentally how I’m going,” he said.

“Then also if it aligns with where the Club is going and obviously what the coach needs.” 

Simpson remains a key leader amongst the Blues emerging’ backline group, a role he has stepped into later in his playing career. 

Praising his teammates, Simpson believes it is only a matter of time before growth translates into on-field success.

“I’m really excited about the young kids coming through,” he said. 

“I think we saw at the back end of the year; the shackles were released and some of them really put their best foot forward.”

Simpson has seen first-hand the progression of a number of Blues youngsters, at a time where Ikon Park has as much young talent as ever in his time at the Club.

The 35-year-old singled out Jacob Weitering in that group of up-and-coming Blues, heaping praise on the key back ahead of his fifth year. 

“Jacob Weitering has had an amazing year, really,” he said.

“I think he can be the best centre-half-back in the game and I’m pretty confident that he will be, I’m really excited to see him working with ‘Jonesy’.

“Then also Caleb Marchbank: if he can get his body right and get healthy again, he’s sort of almost our wildcard down there.”

Relishing in the success of the second half of 2019, Simpson is looking forward to more support from the Bluebaggers in 2020.

“The back end of the year was really exciting, I think the boys really performed well and obviously you could see how excited the fans were with how many we got,” he said. 

“I’m excited to get into a new year, hopefully we can set another record membership and really perform well and hopefully they enjoy watching us.”