The Carlton Football Club began the first leg of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2016.

After notching up seven wins for the season – three more than last year – the Blues ended up finishing 14^th on the ladder.

With the team now on a break, we’re taking a look back at each player’s year in statistics. Here's the review for Carlton’s No. 6, Kade Simpson:

GAMES

Season 2016: 22

Career: 264 

GOALS

Season 2016: 3

Career: 127

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)

Disposals: 597 (26.82)

Kicks: 383 (17.41)

Marks 152 (6.91)

Contested possessions: 125 (5.68)

Uncontested possessions: 450 (20.45)

Rebound 50s: 101 (4.59)

Tackles: 54 (2.45)

OVERVIEW

There’s no denying Carlton’s vice-captain had an outstanding season.

With the skipper’s ankle injury ultimately ruling him out for the second half of the year, Simpson led the team with his trademark heart and soul.

The 32-year-old notched up his 250^th AFL game with a spirited victory against Port Adelaide in Round 8, and finished the year ranked first at Carlton for disposals and kicks and second for rebound 50s.

He finished second behind Sam Docherty in the John Nicholls Medal, but won the Carltonians High Achiever Award, Spirit of Carlton Award and Bill Lanyon Inner Blue Ruthless Award.

The defender was also named in the AFL Media’s Team of the Week on numerous occasions, and for the first time in his career was named in the 40-man All-Australian squad.

Blues fans will be pleased to see ‘Simmo’ pull on the navy blue jumper again in 2017.

HE SAID IT

“I can’t thank the boys enough for digging in deep, we were a man down early and there were a few sore boys out there, but we just found a way.”

– Simpson talks to Carlton Media after playing his 250^th game for Carlton.

Kade Simpson is chaired off in style after his 250th game. (Photo: AFL Media)

THEY SAID IT

“When Simmo’s there, I feel a lot better. He’s the hardest bloke I know for a bloke of his size. He just puts his body on the line time and time again, through good and bad, that kid. I love Simmo. He’s one of the greatest clubmen we’ve ever had.”

– Former premiership player and president Stephen Kernahan speaks highly of Simpson ahead of the defender’s 250^th game.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

The joy on Kade Simpson’s face when the final siren sounded against Port Adelaide in Round 8 said it all. After being three goals down with eight minutes to go, the Blues rallied to beat the Power by two points to send Simmo off in his 250^th match with a win.