The Carlton Football Club embarked on the second stage of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2017.
After registering six wins, the Blues finished the season in 16th place on the ladder.
Despite falling four points short of the 2016 season, Carlton won more quarters in 2017, demonstrating the growth of the playing group in its second year with Bolton at the helm.
With the team now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton vice-captain, Kade Simpson.
GAMES
Season 2017: 22
Career: 286
GOALS
Season 2017: 4
Career: 131
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 529 (24.05) Kicks: 377 (17.14) Marks: 162 (7.36) Contested possessions: 144 (6.55) Tackles: 59 (2.68) Rebound 50s: 83 (3.77) One-percenters: 36 (1.64) Metres gained: 9019 (409.95)
OVERVIEW
He may be Carlton’s most senior player, but age was no barrier for Simpson, who was one of seven Blues to play every game in 2017 while moving into equal sixth in Carlton's overall games tally alongside Anthony Koutoufides.
Vice-captain for the third year in total, Simpson was a valued member of the navy blue line-up, displaying leadership on and off the field.
In his 15th season, the 33-year-old finished second at Carlton for marks (162), intercepts (114), rebound 50s (83) and metres gained (9019), with fellow defender Sam Docherty taking the top spot in these categories.
Simpson also ranked fourth at the Club for effective disposals (397) and fifth for score involvements (103), demonstrating his expertise with the Sherrin in his grasp.
While the resilient defender is currently out of contract, Blues fans will hope he can go around again and become the fifth player in Carlton history to play 300 club games.
BEST PERFORMANCE
Simpson was brilliant in Carlton’s 19-point win over Sydney in Round 6, recording 31 disposals, 12 marks, eight tackles and a superb goal on the run from the 50m arc.
With poise and composure he utilised his possessions to advantage, setting his teammates up with a remarkable disposal efficiency of 93.5 per cent.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Unleashing his trusty left foot, ‘Simmo’ drilled home a huge goal against Collingwood in Round 7.
With under a minute remaining in the first quarter, the long-sleeved No.6 ignited the Carlton faithful as he employed a touch of trickery to extend the Blues’ lead to 19 points.
